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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 17th, 2023–Apr 18th, 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.

Forecast snow and light to moderate northeast wind Monday night may form fresh wind slabs on lee features.

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

A naturally triggered large wind slab avalanche was reported on a north facing slope in the alpine on Sunday. See MIN

A size 3 persistent slab avalanche was reported on a southeast aspect in the alpine west of Kelsall lake on Thursday. It was suspected to have been triggered by solar radiation.

Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent snow and light to moderate south wind may have formed wind slabs in isolated lee features in the alpine.

The recent snow sits over previously wind-affected snow surfaces on northerly aspects and sun crust on other aspects.

A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now around 100 cm down in most areas. Operators continue to monitor this layer. A significant warming event or a large trigger (like a falling cornice) are the most likely things to activate this layer.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Snow; 10-15 cm / 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -7 C / Freezing level valley bottom

Tuesday

Cloudy with flurries; 5-10 cm, then another 5-15 cm overnight / 30 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud / 30 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1300 m

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 1100 m

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.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.

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.