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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2021–Jan 4th, 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.

Watch for fresh and potentially sensitive wind slabs in alpine features. 

Wind is currently out of the north and is expected to switch to a more west/southwest orientation Sunday & Monday. Seek out wind sheltered terrain where you'll find the best riding conditions. 

Confidence

Moderate - The snowpack structure is mostly striaghtforward and not unusually variable. Uncertainty is due to the extreme variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Pretty benign weather is expected through the forecast period. A little pulse may impact the area Tuesday.

SATURDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate west/southwest wind, trace of snow possible.

SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong west wind, trace of snow possible.

MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate southerly wind, no new snow expected.

TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate to strong southeast wind, 4 to 8 cm of snow possible.

Avalanche Summary

Our field team encountered some freshly formed wind slabs Friday, more details here. This MCR report from the Powder Valley points to an avalanche that likely occurred early last week.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread surface hoar has been growing on the surface in the region, it's not a problem right now, but it's something to consider for when it starts snowing again.

Wind slabs have recently formed in alpine terrain features immediately lee of ridge crest which may remain sensitive to human triggering.

There are not any concerns of note in the upper snowpack aside from wind slabs.

A buried crust formed in early December can be found 60-100 cm below the surface, but most reports suggest the snow is quite well-bonded to this crust. There was one observation this week where facets were found above the crust, but that appears to be an anomaly rather than the norm. The lower snowpack is strong around White Pass, however there is potential for a weaker snowpack structure in inland areas such as the Wheaton Valley. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best 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.