Yukoners are tough and some will still get out into the mountains during this cold snap. Keep in mind that extreme cold temperatures increase the consequences of an avalanche involvement so it's a good time to choose terrain wisely.
Expect to find wind slabs on all aspects, especially at higher elevations.
Wind slabs exist on north facing features after a snowy and windy week in White Pass. Winds will shift north today and create wind slabs on south facing features also. Keep in mind that wind slabs can take longer to heal and bond during periods of extreme cold temperatures.
No reports of recent avalanche activity. Although it is likely natural wind slab activity continues at higher elevations until the snow and winds taper by Friday morning.
Recent strong to extreme southwest winds have redistributed the new snow. Scouring ridges and highpoints at upper elevations, while creating deep, loaded pockets on northerly terrain, up to 150 cm. A shift in winds to the north on Friday will move available snow back to south aspects and potentially create new slabs. Note that in extreme cold temperatures, it can take wind slab longer than usual to heal and bond to the snow below it.
A crust exists down about 20cm at treeline. The mid and lower snowpack is generally facetted and well-settled.
Treeline snow depth range from 60 to 90 cm.
Friday night
Clearing. Wind north at 40km/h. Temperatures at -22˚C.
Saturday to Monday
Cold and clear. Wind from the north up to 40km/h. Temperatures down to -29˚C with wind chill making it feel like -38˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
