Avalanche forecast

Lutak

Dec 16 – 17, 2023Haines Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Natural avalanches have occured recently, which means we could still trigger one.  Remain vigilant of terrain traps, run out zones, and complex terrain over 30 degrees. Entering the backcountry with an assessment mindset and slowly checking things out will help prevent getting surprised.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Dec. 10-14th storms dropped 5.5" of snow water equivalent  (SWE) in the Lutak Zone. Recent field observations verified more than three feet of unconsolidated new snowpack. Large wind slabs may have formed on N-NW-W aspects at elevations where enough soft surface snow was available for wind transport and loading.

    (12/15/2023)

    Fluctuating temperatures and rising snow depth amounts indicate a unique set up that needs time to heal 

Avalanche Discussion

Numerous melt-freeze crusts and small grain facet layers have been identified across all zones. These remain worthy of future investigation and layer tracking.

Early season hazards are starting to get covered up, although hidden rocks, branches and logs could be just under the surface. Use caution.

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