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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2023–Dec 22nd, 2023

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

Regions

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

Expect wind loaded features in the alpine to remain reactive to human triggers. Head to sheltered terrain at treeline to avoid slabs, and find the powder you've been searching for.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday size 1 natural wind slabs were reported from north facing alpine slopes, during active wind loading. Activity is expected to taper as winds ease on Friday. However, slabs may remain reactive to human triggers.

If you do go into the backcountry, consider submitting a Mountain Information Network report.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow from last week has been redistributed into north and east facing alpine and treeline features. West and south facing slopes (windward), have been scoured by the strong winds or have dense, wind packed snow. Sheltered terrain has great riding conditions where snow is not wind affected. Check out this MIN from Log Cabin.

Below 1200 m, a thick crust is present approximately 50 cm above the ground.

The middle and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Snow depth varies from 75-200 cm depending on the aspect.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 3 cm of snow, southwest winds 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -8 °C. 

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 1-3 cm of snow, southwest winds 20 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C. 

Saturday

Cloudy with 10 cm of snow possible, southwest winds 40-80 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C. 

Sunday

Cloudy with light to moderate snowfall. Southerly winds 50-70 km/h. Treeline temperatures rise to -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.

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.