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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 20th, 2026–Apr 21st, 2026

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
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.

Fresh wind slab formation is likely with strong winds and light snowfall forecast for many areas.

Confidence

Moderate

  • We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.
  • We are uncertain due to a highly variable snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity has been reported. Last week, numerous loose wet avalanches were reported and several wind slab avalanches were reported in both Haines Pass and White Pass, including one that was remotely triggered and surprisingly large due to buried surface hoar.

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

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing southwesterly winds continue to redistribute new snow, forming wind slabs in leeward terrain. A layer of surface hoar may persist beneath these slabs in isolated areas, roughly 30 to 60 cm deep. This layer appears most reactive on shaded, north-facing slopes, immediately 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, as well as in exposed higher-elevation areas where wind scouring continues.

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

Weather Summary

Monday Night
Partly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 20 gusting to 55 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • 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.
  • Start with conservative terrain and watch for signs of instability.
  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural 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.