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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 19th, 2021–Feb 20th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Yukon.

Gradually accumulating new snow combined with moderate to strong southwest winds Friday night through Saturday are expected to continue to promote wind slab development.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY Night: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 3-8 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 2-5 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

MONDAY: Cloudy with flurries, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light west wind, alpine temperature 8 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations were noted. Avalanche activity is expected to increase as new snow and strong wind impact the region.

Snowpack Summary

Stormy conditions return to the region through the weekend. The snow is forecast to fall with strong southerly wind, which should rapidly form new wind slabs in exposed terrain. As the snow accumulates widespread storm and wind slabs are expected to develop. The snow will overlie heavily wind affected and faceted surfaces in exposed terrain and perhaps a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, as found here.

The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, but inland areas like the Wheaton Valley likely have a thinner and weaker structure.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.