Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 2018-12-22

Above 2,500ftConsiderable

1,500 to 2,500ftModerate

Below 1,500ftModerate

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Wind Slab:

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

Isolated D2-D3 naturals ran during the storm this week, on wind loaded and cross loaded aspects. Crown depths were around 1 meter, running on facets above a rain crust. 

Natural D3 avalanche from the storm this week. Chilkat Pass zone, cross-loaded NE aspect at ~4500ft. 2018-12-21

Weather

   Snow Depth [in] Last 24-hr Snow/SWE [in] Last 5-days Snow/SWE [in]  Today’s Freezing Level [ft]  Today’s Winds Next 24-hr Snow/SWE
Mount Ripinsky @ treeline
    49″ 0″ / 0.00  42″ / 4.80 0 mod, N 0″ / 0.00  *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
    65″ 0″ / 0.00 52″ / 4.40 0 light, NW 0″ / 0.00  *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
    35″ 0″ / 0.00 26″ / 2.20 0 light, NW 0″ / 0.00  *

( *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.