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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2023–Jan 1st, 2024
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.

Numerous light snowfalls over the past several days and steady southerly wind means wind slabs remain the main concern.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

There was a report of a size 2 storm or wind slab avalanche off of Fraser Peak on Saturday. See this MIN post for more details.

If you head into the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. This has been redistributed by primarily southwest wind.

The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled, with a thick, well-bonded crust approximately 30 to 50 cm above the ground at elevations below 1200 m. Snow depth ranges from 80 to 200 cm across the region.

Of note, a layer of surface hoar was found in the Halcyon Fraser Chutes area on Dec 28 and 29. check out these MIN reports here and here for more details.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mainly cloudy with a trace of new snow. Southwest wind, 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud. Southeast and southwest wind, 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. South wind, 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly cloudy with 2-4 cm of snow. Southwest wind, 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

20-30 cm of snow has accumulated over the past several days and is being redistributed by primarily southerly winds. Be cautious when seeking out protected terrain on east aspects, as a layer of buried surface hoar may still exist.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2