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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 11th, 2023–Jan 12th, 2023

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

Regions

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

Watch for signs of new wind slab formation. They are always touchiest right after they form.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday a field team member observed a large (size 2.5) 48-72 hour old natural avalanche that was triggered by a large cornice fall on the slope below it. This occurred on a north aspect. Additionally there was a size 2.5 naturally triggered avalanche observed on an east aspect in the alpine in the Big Y area. It is suspected to have run on facets near the base of the snowpack.

There were a few wind slab avalanches reported to size 1.5 on east facing terrain in the alpine as well.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate south winds have redistributed loose surface snow and have formed new wind slabs in exposed areas.

Continued winds will further feed wind slab development in the coming days with 5 to 10 cm of light new snow from the weekend. This overlies a settled snowpack.

Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with flurries bringing 1-3cm of new snow. Light to moderate southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -10 °C.

Thursday

Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulations. Light to moderate southeast winds. Treeline high temperatures around -11 °C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy. Light southerly winds. Treeline high temperatures around -12°C.

Saturday

Mainly cloudy. Light southerly winds. Treeline high temperatures around -10°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
  • The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.

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.