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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 28th, 2024–Dec 29th, 2024

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

Outflow incoming! Treeline probably has the most snow to transport, even if most of it has already been hit. Watch for small new wind slabs forming in unusual places as the arctic air invades.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Observations have been limited, but the Yukon field team got a glimpse into treeline terrain Thursday and Friday with no avalanche activity to report.

Please share your own observations through the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Roughly 20 to 30 cm of recent snow overlies the supportive early-December crust complex, which extends up to 1500 m. Much of it has blended into heavily wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas, but pockets of wind slab may still be found in leeward terrain around treeline. Previously sheltered north slopes will likely be impacted by outflow wind on Sunday.

A recent MIN report describes preserved surface hoar sitting on the crust in the Powder Valley. This setup is worth investigating throughout the region as slabs formed over this grain could be reactive.

Despite the presence of faceted grains in the lower snowpack, there are no layers of concern below the crust. Snowpack depths range from about 70 to 180 cm.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Mainly cloudy with easing isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind shifting to northeast outflows in the morning and increasing. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northeast outflow winds. Treeline temperature -13 °C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with cloud diminishing. 10 to 15 km/h northeast or southeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -14 °C.

Tuesday

Mainly sunny. 15 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.

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.