Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftNone
1,500 to 2,500ftNone
Below 1,500ftNone
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Our alpine snowpack in all zones contains one or more rain crusts from mid October. Weak facetted snow has formed above and below the crust, and has been found to be quite sensitive to the weight of our new snow. Any contiguous pockets of snowpack will be suspect to fail on this layer, about 30cm deep. We expect that this October rain crust will be a persistent problem as we go into winter. It exists above 3000ft.
What is the best way to manage this risk? We can simply avoid alpine terrain that is about 30 degrees and steeper. Be aware that venturing on these steeper alpine slopes is relatively high risk currently.
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Problem 2
Recent NW winds have been building up wind slabs on lee aspects and cross loaded terrain. Expect these new wind slabs to be sensitive to human triggering.
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Weather
October brought in heavy snow in the alpine, followed by a few rain/sun crusts. November was mostly dry until the 12th, when about a foot of new snow fell.
Looking forward, another 15-20″ is likely to fall in the mountains Tuesday-Friday, with some rain mixed in and lesser totals in the valleys. Winds are expected to be strong and variable this week as multiple storms move through the area.
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 | 19″ | 0″ / 0.00* | 12″ / 1.00* | 0′ | strong, NW | 0″ / 0.00* |
Flower Mountain @ treeline | 31″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 13″ / 1.10 | 0′ | strong, NW | 0″ / 0.00* |
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft | 21″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 6″ / 0.30 | 0′ | strong, NW | 0″ / 0.00* |
( *star means meteorological estimate )
Additional Information
In November, onX Backcountry is donating $10 of every membership to support forecasting. By leveraging their Slope Angle and Avalanche Forecast layers you’ll have access to the tools that help inform safer backcountry travel this year.
Practice like you play. Make sure all your rescue gear is fully functional and your beacon has full batteries. Make sure 1) everyone in the group has a functioning beacon, shovel and probe 2) knows how to use them and 3) has trained in companion rescue in the last year. Keep your skills fresh. If you head into the hills, watch out for red flag avalanche conditions, natural avalanches, whoomphing or collapsing, and shooting cracks.
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
Click the –Full Forecast– button below for more details. Regular forecasting will be starting Friday 11/19. Forecasts will be issued every THU, FRI, SAT, SUN. Occasional forecasts may also be issued on other days of the week depending on conditions.