Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 16th, 2024–Jan 17th, 2024

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

Regions

Yukon, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West.

For the best riding, lower avalanche danger, and more pleasant weather, stick to terrain that is sheltered from the wind.

Wind slabs can currently be found on all aspects.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a few large natural avalanches were reported in the highway corridor on both the Canadian and American sides of White Pass. These likely occurred with wind loading recent storm snow into lee features.

Wind slabs may continue to be rider triggerable on all aspects on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snow and variable direction, moderate to strong winds will likely have formed wind slab on all aspects and at all elevations.

A layer of surface hoar that formed on Christmas Eve may be found 50 cm deep, but recent observations suggest it has bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Increasing cloud through the night. No new snow expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Trace of new snow expected. Strong to extreme northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature falling to around -18 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. Light snowfall expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -18 °C.

Friday

Partly cloudy. Light snowfall expected. Strong northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -21 °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 slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

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.