Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass.
Assess for slabs in northerly terrain and expect warming-related avalanche problems during the heat of the day.
This is the final daily avalanche forecast for the season.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received recent reports of avalanche activity.
Last weekend, reports here and here describe large avalanches that released on buried weak layers on northerly alpine terrain.
Looking forward, we suspect that riders could trigger slabs within the recent snow, particularly in northerly terrain where they rest on surface hoar crystals. Also use caution on sun-exposed slopes midday and near cornices.
Please share your observations to the MIN!
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow overlies surface hoar crystals on shaded aspects and a melt-freeze crust at lower elevations and on sun-exposed slopes. Recent southeast to southwest wind may have formed deeper deposits in lee terrain features.
We have limited snowpack information, but this report suggests a generally weak lower snowpack with various potential layers of concern, which recently produced large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with afternoon clearing. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may linger in lee terrain features, particularly where they rest on weak surface hoar crystals.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Large avalanches released on buried weak layers in northerly alpine terrain last weekend. Similar avalanches could be triggered going forward.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches may release during the heat of the day. Back off steep sun-exposed slopes as the snow melts. Cornices may also weaken with progressive warming.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2