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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 12th, 2024–Mar 13th, 2024

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

Regions

Haines Pass.

Be careful around steep unsupported wind-loaded features.

Rider-triggered avalanche is possible in leeward terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Field observations have been non-existent in the last week due to periodic closures of the Haines road. In a neighboring region, a natural storm slab avalanche (size 2) was observed Saturday on a west alpine slope near Mosquito Lake.

If you make it into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Expect 30 to 40 cm of soft snow on the surface in areas sheltered from the wind. Moderate to strong wind has likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits in leeward terrain. The recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or wind-scoured surfaces and may not stick well to the old surface.

The midpack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 3 to 5 of new snow expected. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.

Wednesday

Cloudy with 3 to 5 cm of new snow expected, plus 10 cm overnight. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy with no precipitation. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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.