Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Haines Pass, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West, Yukon.
Assess steep slopes around ridgelines and lee features for reactive wind slabs.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Snow surfaces have been significantly affected by recent winds. Expect to find extensive wind scouring, wind-pressed surfaces, and deep deposits of wind slabs around ridgelines at all elevations.
Large, fragile cornices can be found on exposed ridgelines and should be given a wide berth.
In some areas, particularly in the Haines Summit, a weak layer of facets or surface hoar is buried 50-80 cm. This layer is unlikely to be triggered by the weight of a rider, but concern exists with very large loads, such as cornice falls.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong wind has impacted any loose snow. Watch for deeper and reactive deposits around ridges and lee features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2