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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 12th, 2023–Jan 13th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Yukon, Tutshi, Wheaton, White Pass East, White Pass West.

There is some low density snow on the surface for the wind pick up and deposit into lee terrain. Pay attention to wind direction to anticipate where new wind slabs are forming.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday a field team member observed a large (size 2.5) 48-72 hour old natural avalanche that was triggered by a large cornice fall on the slope below it. This occurred on a north aspect. Additionally there was a size 2.5 naturally triggered avalanche observed on an east aspect in the alpine in the Big Y area. It is suspected to have run on facets near the base of the snowpack.

There were a few wind slab avalanches reported to size 1.5 on east facing terrain in the alpine as well.

Snowpack Summary

Light to moderate south winds have redistributed loose surface snow and have formed new wind slabs in exposed areas.

Continued wind will further feed wind slab development in the coming days. This overlies a settled snowpack.

Snow depths at White Pass are around 100 cm in sheltered areas and 200 cm on wind-loaded slopes.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace accumulations. Light to moderate southeast winds. Treeline high temperature around -11 °C.

Friday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light to moderate southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -10°C.

Saturday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -9°C.

Sunday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate southerly wind. Treeline high temperature around -7°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.

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.