Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftModerate
1,500 to 2,500ftModerate
Below 1,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Active wind loading was observed in this zone over the last few days from moderate-strong NW winds. Expect to find surface wind slabs that may be touchy in wind loaded areas, especially South through East aspects. There are known weak interfaces within the recent storm layers and these will be the most likely depth to trigger an avalanche (15-45cm deep). Be careful to avoid terrain traps where small amounts of snow can pile up deeply. Careful slope tests and stability tests will be useful in judging the strength of these layers. Expect a dramatic rise in avalanche danger on Saturday as new storms come in.
(Click to enlarge graphic to read more…)
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Problem 2
In areas above treeline, depth hoar exists at the ground. There are also 2 melt-freeze crusts just above this depth hoar and in the midpack. Any of these crusts can act as a bed surface and a weak interface within the old snow. This will be a problem on all aspects. Be especially cautious of steep, heavily wind-loaded areas above treeline, and unsupported slopes. Convexities, where there is a steep rollover, will be a likely place to trigger a deeper slab that runs to the ground with high consequences. This kind of danger is tricky and can be hard to manage, so a wide safety margin is recommended.
(Photo from Lutak Zone, 11/15, 2500ft, NE aspect)
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Weather
Heavy snow last weekend brought a fresh 26″ in the Lutak Zone, 19″ in the Transitional Zone, and 9″ at the Pass.
The storm track looks energetic for the next week, with several strong/wet storms on tap. Saturday-Sunday we expect 18-24″ of new snow, with some rain mixed in below 1000ft. Monday night-Tuesday looks very wet, with multiple feet of new snow above the snowline, which should be near sea level. Stay tuned!
Snow Depth [in] | Last 24-hr Snow/SWE [in] | Last 3-days Snow/SWE [in] | Today’s Freezing Level [ft] | Today’s Winds | Next 24-hr Snow/SWE | |
Mount Ripinsky @ treeline |
46″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 3″ / 0.30 | 0 | light, NW | 1″ / 0.10 * |
Flower Mountain @ treeline |
25″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 2″ / 0.30 | 0 | light, NW | 1″ / 0.10 * |
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft |
7″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 2″ / 0.10 | 0 | light, NW | 0″ / 0.00 * |
( *star means meteorological estimate )
Additional Information
It’s time to start thinking avalanche. Dust off your gear and make sure it is fully functional. Put new batteries in your beacons! Do a beacon practice to start the season and keep your skills fresh. If you head into the hills, watch out for avalanche conditions, and be especially careful of rocks and hidden hazards like crevasses beneath the snow. WEAR A HELMET!
Education Video Links:
- AIARE
- How to Practice Avalanche Rescue Snowmobile Edition: https://youtu.be/2ML499MMDfM
- AK Sled Shed Motorized Learning:
- Intro: https://youtu.be/aoagKHfGkxs
- Personal Electronics in Avalanche Terrain: https://youtu.be/2Vz9S0OEyFk
- Snowmobile Macgyver Tool Kit: https://youtu.be/4WBNu_t6Bbk
- Head and Face Protection: https://youtu.be/jIzW89wOyZI
- Pre-season prep: https://youtu.be/zJmrb8cZlR4
- My Transceiver: https://youtu.be/yblaDWP7Jf8
- BCA Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers
- How to Fix Common Snowmobile Problems in the Field: https://youtu.be/g9fiTxEvuFk
- Sleducation: Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/EWFOd_9DYb8
- Intro to Avalanche Transceivers for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/6ZLSBmsceog
- Avalanche Transceiver Trailhead Test for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/rWoXbadFBsY
- Avalanche Transceiver Searching Use Snowmobiles: https://youtu.be/w1ucyI6LMXM
- BCA Avalanche Rescue Series
- Beacon Search 101: https://youtu.be/nnHXLVA2FcE
- Avalanche Probing 101: https://youtu.be/-0_yDN5Drzw
- Avalanche Shoveling 101: https://youtu.be/dGQg9o3vAkM
- Organizing a Backcountry Rescue: https://youtu.be/gywtmukgt8s
- Post Avalanche Patient Care: https://youtu.be/9FyIeUy4wpQ
- Backcountry Evacuation: https://youtu.be/WPF-dciefL8
- Complex Multiple Burials Backup Techniques: https://youtu.be/pB6AfY2KyYo
- National Avalanche Center
- Avalanche Problems Explained: https://youtu.be/DkbnT_9-cHU
- Intro to North American Avalanche Danger Scale: https://youtu.be/r_-KpOu7tbA
Announcements
We have begun periodic conditions updates for winter 2020/2021. Click the + Full Forecast link below for each zone to read more.