Avalanche forecast

Lutak

Haines Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Pay attention to recent signs of wind loading, including visible blowing snow, and slopes steeper than 30 degrees that have been loaded with thicker deposits. These areas will look smooth and convex without a lot of texture, they may even be where the riding looks best, but are exactly where wind slabs are most likey to be triggered. Be cautious of rocks and shallow coverage, along with terrain traps that could increase the consequences of being caught in a slide.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Expect fresh wind slabs to form as north winds begin to load leeward alpine slopes with sensitive winds slabs 1-2' deep.  A total of 7" of new snow  Nov 30th at 2,500'  covered a hard crust that formed last week when freezing levels rose to over 4,500'. This crust is a strong bed surface for a slab to run on and could help increase the potential slab size depending on the terrain.

    Photo: Sawtooth Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

It may be early season, however the overall snowpack is thin for this time of the year. Although October and November had extended periods of precipitation, freezing levels were generally high, causing more rain than snow, and occasional thaw up to 4,500'. The result is either very little snow or a hard re-frozen crust under the most recent new snow. Besides wind slab that formed on top of a hard crust, other objective hazards such as hitting rocks may increase our risk for the day.

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