Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftModerate
1,500 to 2,500ftLow
Below 1,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
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.