Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftConsiderable
1,500 to 2,500ftModerate
Below 1,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Avalanche Activity
Observations from the last week found areas of D1-D2 natural windslab and storm slab avalanches on specific terrain that was wind loaded or cross-loaded, between 2500-5000ft. Some wind slabs were sliding on low-angle slopes as low as 25 degrees, and appeared to be sliding on a buried surface hoar layer 10-30cm deep. Distribution of these avalanches was limited to wind loaded areas that had been protected from strong N/NW winds.
Weather
Clear skies, strong NW winds and frigid temperatures have hit the area, and should continue this weekend. Snow is being stripped from W-NW-N aspects and loaded onto leeward aspects.
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 |
52″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 6″ / 0.50 | 0 | strong NW | 0″ / 0.00 * |
Flower Mountain @ treeline |
43″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 1″ / 0.10 | 0 | strong NW | 0″ / 0.00 * |
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft |
27″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 1″ / 0.05 | 0 | strong NW | 0″ / 0.00 * |
( *star means meteorological estimate )
Additional Information
If you get out riding, please send in an observation!
Do a rescue practice with your partners. Always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, and KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.
Practice good risk management, which means only expose one person at a time to slopes 30 degrees and steeper, make group communication and unanimous decision making a priority, and choose your terrain wisely: eliminating unnecessary exposure and planning out your safe zones and escape routes.