Avalanche forecast

Yukon

Mar 26 – 27, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

A complex snowpack necessitates conservative terrain choices.

Very large human-triggered avalanches are possible, and strong sun could produce natural avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Recent winds have varied in direction, so be cautious of wind-loaded pockets on all aspects.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Cornices are large, looming, and may trigger large slabs on slopes below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Facets in the mid and lower snowpack are most likely to be triggered in steep, rocky, wind-affected areas where the snowpack transitions from deep to shallow areas.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are confident that there are persistent slabs in the snowpack, but uncertain about how likely they are to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

Last Sunday, a significant avalanche accident occurred on the east side of White Pass, behind the Big Y. A snowmobiler highmarking a steep west-facing alpine slope triggered a size 2 persistent slab from a rocky thin area, failing on facets near the ground.

Looking forward to Thursday, recently formed wind slabs could still be reactive to riders. Persistent slab avalanches remain possible to trigger, especially in steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Avoid travelling underneath them.

Strong winds have created wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs. Up to 60 cm of powder may still be found in sheltered areas.

Prolonged cold temperatures this winter have resulted in a very faceted mid to lower snowpack. Normally, thick and stiff wind-hardened layers would lower the likelihood of triggering these facets, but these layers are lacking their usual strength. Thick to thin upper treeline or lower alpine features are the most likely place to trigger weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Friday

Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Sunday

Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

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