Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 2019-02-20

Above 2,500ftConsiderable

1,500 to 2,500ftConsiderable

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

Reports from this weekend found more isolated recent surface slabs (D1-D2) in steep, wind loaded terrain (S-SE-E aspects). Also notable was whumphing in areas of thin snowpack in the alpine areas of the transitional zone. 

Over the last two-three weeks, we’ve had reports of isolated surface wind slab avalanches (D1-D2), both natural and human-triggered, in top-loaded and cross-loaded terrain 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

After 6 weeks of cold and mostly dry weather, we’re finally back into a snowier pattern. Light snow will taper off Tuesday. We’ll get a break Wednesday before a stronger front comes in Thursday. It looks like 5-10″ is likely with this storm. The weekend is looking great for the Kat to Koot race: clear and chilly with moderate north winds. 

   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
  56″ 6″ / 0.50  6″ / 0.50   0  light, NW 1″ / 0.10     *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
  41″ 3″ / 0.25  3″ / 0.25   0 light, NW 0″ / 0.00      *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
  28″ 1″ / 0.05  1″ / 0.05   0 light, 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.