Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 22nd, 2026–Apr 23rd, 2026

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, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Regions

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

Wind slabs may persist at higher elevations, while rising freezing levels and strong sun continue to weaken the upper snowpack at lower elevations and sun-exposed slopes.

Confidence

Low

We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of solar radiation will affect the snowpack.
We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Avalanche Summary

In White Pass, numerous recent natural wind slab avalanches (up to size 1.5) were reported on Tuesday, likely occurring within the previous 12 to 48 hours. The most recent avalanches were primarily observed in cross-loaded features at lower alpine elevations.

If you’re heading into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report—observations are particularly limited this time of year.

Snowpack Summary

Generally, southerly to westerly winds have redistributed the upper snowpack in alpine terrain, potentially scouring exposed terrain and creating isolated wind slabs in leeward terrain. In some areas, a layer of surface hoar may persist beneath these slabs approximately 30 to 60 cm deep. This layer appears most reactive on shaded, north-facing slopes, particularly just below ridgetop features.

A variety of firm or crusty surfaces is likely on south-facing and lower-elevation terrain due to warming and solar input.

The lower snowpack remains weak and faceted, particularly in areas with a shallow overall snowpack.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.

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.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.