Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast as of 2018-12-19 at 08:00 am and expires on 12/20/2018

Above 2,500ftHigh

1,500 to 2,500ftHigh

Below 1,500ftNone

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

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

Wind Slab:

Likelihood:

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

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Avalanche Activity

There was a human-triggered D2 avalanche on White Pass Dec 16th, with remote triggering and a crown depth of 3-4ft,  on a wind-loaded northeast aspect at 1500m. One person was caught and buried to their waist/chest. 

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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

An additinal 3-6″ of snow is likely through Thursday, with snow levels remaining at sea level. Clearing and cooler weather with increasing north winds will begin Friday evening and last for several days. 

   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
   57″ 13″ / 1.10  35″ / 3.10 0 mod, SE 3″ / 0.20 *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
   59″ 11″ / 0.90 41″ / 3.50 0 mod, SE 3″ / 0.20 *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
   39″ 8″ / 0.70 22″ / 1.90 0 mod, SE 3″ / 0.15 *

( *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.