Avalanche forecast

Haines Pass

Mar 30 – 31, 2026Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Seek out conservative, low consequence terrain.

WE have some uncertainty in the likelihood of persistent slabs, conservative terrain choices are the best defense.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Rider triggerable wind slabs could still linger in the alpine. If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, causing larger avalanches.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A layer of facets over a crust is buried 80 to 150cm, and has recently produced very large avalanches. It appears to be most reactive in areas closer to the coast.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain about how quickly persistent slabs are gaining strength.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a skier triggered size 2 persistent slab avalanche was reported on the US side of the border. This avalanche occurred on a northwest aspect at approximately 1500 m and ran on the mid February layer. This layer is a concern in our region as well.

We suspect that avalanche activity has been tapering off over the past few days but observations have been limited. If you are heading into the mountains please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

At ridgeline and in exposed terrain, strong winds have left slabs and hard wind-pressed surfaces. Soft snow may still be found in wind-sheltered areas. The snow surface will likely become moist on sun exposed slopes.

A persistent weak layer of facets and a crust is buried 80 to 150cm and extends up to around 1400 m. The greatest concern for triggering is in shallow, thin to thick snowpack areas or from a large trigger, such as a cornice fall. It also appears to be most reactive in areas closest to the coast, with diminished reactivity further inland.

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind, 20 to 40 km/h outflow wind at valley bottom. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind, 20 to 40 km/h outflow wind at valley bottom. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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