Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Check for stubborn windslabs lingering below ridgelines or in steep, exposed terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few size 1 to 2 wind slab avalanches were reported around White Pass on Monday and significant wind transport was observed through the week. Small dry loose avalanches were also seen around Haines Pass.
On Wednesday, sun and warm temperatures produced a natural wet loose cycle on steep solar slopes.
Snowpack Summary
Wind has redistributed recent snow, forming pressed surfaces and wind slabs in open terrain while leaving 15-30 cm of soft snow in sheltered areas. A crust covers most solar slopes.
A buried surface hoar or crust layer, 40 to 60 cm deep, is variable in distribution and has produced some test results but no recent avalanches. Similarly, a December crust with facets, 100 to 150 cm deep on all aspects up to 1750 m, has shown no recent activity or significant test results.
Snow depth ranges from 100 cm at highway elevations to over 300 cm in the alpine.
Weather Summary
Friday night
Clear. 20 to 40 km/h northeast wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Sunny with incoming cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 55 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds have redistributed any available loose snow. Check for stubborn windslabs in lee or cross-loaded features.
Aspects: North, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2