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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 20th, 2021–Mar 22nd, 2021

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

Regions

Yukon.

Stubborn wind slabs exist in exposed alpine terrain. The softest riding conditions will be found in terrain features sheltered from recent wind.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -13 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -11 C.

MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -11 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -11 C.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche observations were reported on Friday. On Thursday, a few groups saw recent natural avalanche activity around Paddy Peak.

Snowpack Summary

Hard wind slabs have been reported in the region, which are expected to be stiff and difficult to trigger during this cold snap. You may still be able to find around 30 cm of recent soft snow in sheltered terrain, which may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. 

There are no deeper concerns around White Pass.

Substantial spatial variability exists within the snowpack around the Tutshi Lake/Paddy Peak area. Terrain should be assessed on a slope by slope basis, as lingering weaknesses may still exist.

The Wheaton's continental snowpack is dominated by hard wind slabs overlying sugary facets and depth hoar. It's an untrustworthy snowpack structure that requires good terrain selection and travel habits.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

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.