Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Ongoing precipitation, wind, and warming will continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions.
Stick to low-angle terrain and avoid overhead hazard.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were observed along the Klondike Highway on Monday.
We suspect a rapid rise in temperature overnight on Tuesday caused a natural avalanche cycle. Looking forward to Thursday, ongoing warm temperatures and wind will continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions.
Early season observations are very limited. Please consider sharing your observations through the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Rain and warm temperatures have created a moist snow surface at all elevations except in the high alpine. Strong winds will have created heavily wind-affected surfaces and stiff wind slabs where dry snow remains.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally strong, with some crusts near the base.
Snow depths vary significantly, averaging around 70 to 130 cm at Whitepass.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 mm of precipitation. 30 to 70 km/h south ridge top wind. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with 8 to 15 mm of precipitation. 60 to 90 km/h south ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Cloudy with up to 2 cm of snow. 40 to 80 km/h south ridge top wind. Freezing level drops to 500 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 5 to 15 km/h south ridge top wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Where dry snow remains, strong winds have likely formed stiff wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible on steep slopes in areas where rain and warm temperatures have weakened the snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2