Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast as of 2018-12-17 at 08:00 am and expires on 2018-12-17

Above 2,500ftHigh

1,500 to 2,500ftNone

Below 1,500ftNone

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Storm Snow:

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Problem 2

Persistent Slab:

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Avalanche Activity

Sporadic natural storm slab avalanches were observed from the last week, size D2-D3 on wind loaded lee aspects and gullies (above 3000ft). Crowns were around 60-90cm thick. 

Weather

Light-moderate snow will continue to add up through Wednesday, with snow levels remaining at sea level.

   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
    39″ 17″ / 1.40  17″ / 1.40 0 light, var 5″ / 0.40 *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
    53″ 24″ / 1.90 24″ / 1.90 0 light, var 5″ / 0.40 *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
    34″ 9″ / 0.80 9″ / 0.80 0 light, var 3″ / 0.20 *

( *star means meteorological estimate )

Additional Information

If you get out riding, please send in an observation!

Start the season with fresh batteries in your beacon, and 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.