Yukon

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs in the alpine as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

There have been no new reports as of Wednesday.

Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

In the alpine, 20-30 cm of recent snow accompanied by moderate south wind has formed wind slabs in isolated lee features and scoured wind-facing slopes. A robust crust exists on all aspects up to 1400 m and to ridgetop on south aspects.

A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now around 100 cm down in most areas. Operators continue to monitor this layer. A significant warming event or a large trigger (like a falling cornice) are the most likely things to activate this layer.

Wednesday Night

New snow 5-10 cm. Ridgetop winds 20-30 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -5 C and freezing level valley bottom.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. Ridgetop wind 15-25 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -5 C freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop wind 15-20 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -4C with freezing level 1100 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. Ridgteop wind 20-30 Km/h from the east. Temperature at treeline around -4 C with freezing level near 1300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
• Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.