Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Yukon.
Newly formed wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday and cornices are expected to remain weak.
Use extra caution around steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day; wet loose avalanches are expected.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Unsettled conditions are expected for Thursday before a weak storm system arrives on Friday.Â
Wednesday night: Mainly cloudy with lingering flurries, moderate W winds, low around -6 °C at 1100 m.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of isolated flurries, light to moderate SW winds, high around -3 °C at 1100 m.
Friday: Light snowfall up to 10 cm, moderate S winds, high around -2 °C at 1100 m.
Saturday: Periods of light snowfall around 5 cm, moderate to strong SE winds, high around -3 °C at 1100 m.
Avalanche Summary
An early report from Wednesday includes several dry loose avalanches up to size 1.5. The new snow is reported to have a poor bond to the old, hard surface.Â
On Tuesday, some low elevation glide slab activity was observed from smooth rock slabs during the heat of the day.Â
On Monday, two large natural cornice falls were observed. They did not pull a slab on the slope below but the debris from the cornice itself would have been very destructive.Â
Snowpack Summary
Recent observations suggest the snow surface remains dry above around 1100 m. A crust is expected to form Wednesday night below this elevation. On solar aspects, there are multiple sun crusts in the upper snowpack. Wind distribution of the new storm snow was observed on Wednesday and wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday, especially where they overlie a firm surface. Large cornices were reported at beginning of the week which may remain fragile with the recent mild temperatures.Â
The middle of the snowpack is reported to be strong and well settled while the lower snowpack near the ground is reported to be faceted.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind loading was reported on Wednesday and newly formed wind slabs are expected to be touchy on Thursday. Ongoing wind will continue to develop these slabs. They may be poorly bonded where they overlie a hard, old surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
Large cornices have been observed in the region. Limit time traveling on slopes with these hazards above them. Avoid these slopes all together during times of warming or solar input.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Small loose wet avalanches are expected from steep sun-exposed terrain features during the heat of the day.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5