Avalanche forecast

Douglas Island

Coastal Alaska Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally low avalanche danger exists on Douglas Island today.  The main thing to keep an eye out for today is isolated pockets of wind slab  on steeper terrain that could still be reactive.  Look for wind slabs that appear"fat", chalky, or have hollow drum like sounds. Maintain good travel travel procedures in avalanche terrain and remember to ski/ride/sled one at a time.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind transport from the North continued yesterday along ridgetops but with lighter winds than as of late.   While recent wind transport has been happening there is less snow remaining to transport and lighter winds today , limiting the size of wind slabs.  Wind slabs could still be encountered especially on any aspects with South in them, they should be isolated and smaller but could still be reactive to triggering.

Avalanche Discussion

We are locked into a major high pressure that has brought clear skies and fluctuating winds for over a week now.  While low danger exists for Douglas today that does not necessarily mean no danger.  Wind slab is the main avalanche problem but you could also possibly encounter wet loose or dry loose avalanches today.  Wet loose will be on steep south facing aspects affected by solar warming, as was witnessed a few days ago in Chop Gully on Mt Juneau where a small wet loose triggered a larger wind slab sending an impressive powder cloud crossing Basin Road.  Dry loose could be encountered on any steep slope that has remained protected from the wind and still has soft snow on the surface.  Good skiing/riding conditions can still be found in generally flatter and lower elevation areas or anywhere that has remained protected from the wind. 

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