Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2022–Feb 24th, 2022
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Yukon.

Terrain sheltered from the wind still holds soft snow. Stiff windslabs are unlikely to avalanche under the weight of a rider, but they can make for challenging riding conditions. 

Good backcountry safety and travel habits are still important.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday Night: Clear. No new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures around -7 °C.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. No new snow expected. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Possible temperature inversion could make for temperatures warmer than -5 °C above 2000 m.

Friday: Mostly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected. Strong to extreme southwest ridgetop wind. Temperature inversion breaking down. Alpine high around -7 °C.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy. 0-5 cm of snow expected, and another 2-5 through the day. Moderate to strong southeast ridgetop wind. Alpine high around -8 °C.

Avalanche Summary

We have received no reports of recent avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow has been extensively wind affected by outflows on Monday followed by strong southwest flow Tuesday, and is very firm in exposed areas. 

A shallowly buried crust (around 20 cm deep) extends up to at least 1200 m on all aspects. It appears to be well bonded to surrounding snow, and is beginning to break down. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas. The basal snowpack consists of weak, sugary facets.

Terrain and Travel

  • Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind direction has been variable so watch for wind loading on a variety of aspects. 

Windslabs have been reported to be quite hard, and mostly unreactive to rider traffic. It may still be possible to trigger them with a large load like a cornice fall. 

Whumpfing, cracking, and hollow sounds are all signs of instability that should cause you to back off into lower angle or less wind-loaded terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2