Avalanche forecast

Yukon

Apr 22 – 23, 2026Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 5 months ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
Open full map

Highlights

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.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    At higher elevations, isolated wind slabs remain possible in leeward and cross-loaded terrain. A buried layer of surface hoar may exist beneath (30 to 80 cm deep) wind slabs on shaded, northerly slopes, immediately beneath ridge tops.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Rising freezing levels and strong sun will weaken the upper snowpack, increasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches. Avoid traveling beneath large slopes when they are exposed to the sun.

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.

Regions covered