Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 2019-01-27

Above 2,500ftConsiderable

1,500 to 2,500ftLow

Below 1,500ftLow

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

Observations this week found areas of D1-D2 thin natural windslab avalanches on specific terrain that was wind loaded or cross-loaded, between 2500-5000ft. These 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

Saturday’s storm should start clearing up in the afternoon, bringing in a beautiful day Sunday with clearing skies and light winds, and temperatures  just below freezing. The next storm is on tap for Monday night-Tuesday, and it should be another warm/wet one with snow levels up to about 3000ft. 

   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
 51″ 7″ / 0.70  8″ / 0.80  2500 -> 500 light, var 0″ / 0.00    *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
 43″ 1″ / 0.40  3″ / 0.50  2500 -> 500 light, var 0″ / 0.00     *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
32″ 5″ / 0.35  6″ / 0.40  2500 -> 500 light, var 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.