Haines Pass

Wind slabs remain the primary concern, especially on south through east aspects loaded by northwest winds. These slabs sit over crust and facet layers that could produce avalanches in specific wind-loaded terrain. Additional wind or new snowfall could increase sensitivity in exposed areas. Watch for signs of recent drifting and avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack & Avalanche Problems

Fresh wind slabs remain the primary concern. Recent west–northwest to northerly outflow winds have actively redistributed recent snowfall, forming cohesive slabs on leeward, cross-loaded, and top-loaded terrain features. Even small amounts of new snow can become consequential when transported into start zones.

Crusts and Facets

Wind slabs are sitting over multiple crust interfaces where cold temperatures are promoting faceting near the surface — forming weak, sugary snow around these layers. In some areas, these crust/facet combinations may begin to behave like persistent weak layers, particularly where slabs are thicker and more continuous. Because crust thickness and loading patterns vary across terrain, sensitivity may change unevenly with additional loading.

• Valentine’s weekend freezing crust:
  • Likely widespread, but variable in thickness and character. In some areas, it capped ~6" of soft snow over an older crust, creating a thin weak layer sandwich. Faceting may be developing above and below this crust. This layer warrants attention during the next loading event.
• Late-January melt-freeze crust:
  • Formed during a mild inversion with near-freezing ridge-top temperatures; subsequent cooling led to faceting above the crust. This layer produced natural avalanches during the Feb 15–16 cycle, confirming its ability to fail when loaded.

Thinner or weaker crust sections may serve as trigger points, while stronger crusts can act as smooth bed surfaces. In contrast, thicker slabs may temporarily bridge weak layers below. Wind-scoured surfaces may initially bond well with new snow, but continued cold can weaken the surface snow ahead of the next loading event.

Deeper Layers 

In colder, thinner inland snowpacks, December drought-period facets or depth hoar may persist in isolated terrain (rocks, cliffs, unsupported slopes). Triggering appears unlikely at this time, but consequences remain high in thin areas.

What Tips the Scales

Additional stress could reactivate or increase the sensitivity of these layers:

• Wind loading during outflow events
• Gradual accumulation or heavier storm loading
• New snowfall next week could form storm slabs where bonding is poor on crusts or near-surface facets

Recent large natural wind slab avalanches (Feb 15–16) and smaller human-triggered avalanches (Feb 21–22) show that the current snowpack structure is capable of producing avalanches in specific terrain.

Travel Advice

Expect variability between slopes and within individual terrain features. Surface conditions range from scoured and wind-boarded areas to stiff slabs, reflecting uneven loading over short distances. With northwest winds, expect loading primarily on south through east aspects, though terrain-driven airflow can create slabs on a variety of aspects.

Watch for wind-affected terrain: leeward slopes, cross-loaded gullies, convex rollovers, and slopes below ridgelines. Wind can load mid-slope features, not just obvious start zones. Be cautious in transition areas where thick slabs taper into thinner snowpack. These thinner spots are common trigger points. As new snow arrives, buried crusts and weak layers may become harder to recognize.

Evaluate overhead hazard and terrain traps. Hard wind slabs can produce dense debris with significant consequences. The absence of obvious warning signs does not guarantee stability. Use terrain to manage exposure. Probe for depth changes, dig quick hand pits to assess near-surface layers, and slow your pace in complex terrain.

As new snow falls, even excellent riding surfaces may hide slick bed surfaces for storm or dry loose avalanches on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Keep powder fever in check and verify conditions before committing to steeper terrain.

Strong north winds can make just a few inches of snow look impressive. Blowing snow fills cracks, scours exposed ridges, and builds slabs on leeward and cross-loaded slopes — sometimes much farther down the slope than expected. In these cold, dry conditions, some of that snow even disappears directly into the air through sublimation. Photo: Erik Stevens

Additional Hazards

• Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and periods of heavy precipitation add another layer of risk in the mountains.
• These conditions can reduce mobility, slow travel and rescue efforts, and increase injury severity—especially in remote areas where assistance may be delayed.
• Open water, thin ice, and overflow on rivers and streams can create hidden travel hazards, particularly during warming and refreezing cycles.
• Glaciated terrain may contain thinly bridged or snow-covered crevasses that are difficult to detect, especially in poor visibility.
• Wildlife hazards remain present, and bears may be active even during winter months.

Ongoing Considerations

Conditions will continue to evolve, and the snowpack will vary across short distances as you move between aspects, elevations, and terrain features. Continue to assess conditions as you travel. We currently have very limited information and funding, so please read and submit observations and report any avalanches you see.  Consider supporting the center by donating or becoming a member or community partner.

Practice companion rescue skills with your partners and make sure everyone’s beacon, shovel, and probe are functioning properly—and that each person knows how to use them. 

Regular general avalanche information products are published every Friday morning at 6am during the 2025-2026 winter season.