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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 4th, 2022–Jan 5th, 2022

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

Regions

Yukon.

 

Continued northeasterly winds are expected to form reactive wind slabs on lee features at all elevations.

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Moderate northeast wind / Low of -35

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate northeast wind / High of -30

THURSDAY: Sunny / Light northeast wind / High of -26

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate north wind / High of -27

Avalanche Summary

 

A naturally triggered size 2 wind slab avalanche closed the south Klondike highway early Tuesday morning near the north end of the highway corridor.

Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than is typical due to the weak facets (sugary snow) they are sitting on.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of recent snow and strong winds shifting from southwest to northeast have likely created reactive wind slabs on all aspects.

A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) has been reported down 20-50 cm in some areas.

The lower snowpack is made up of weak sugary snow. An avalanche at this interface is most likely to be triggered in shallow areas or with a large impact like a cornice fall or a larger wind slab avalanche that steps-down to these deeply buried weak layers.

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Keep your guard up at lower elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

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.