Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftNone
1,500 to 2,500ftNone
Below 1,500ftNone
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Problem 2
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Avalanche Activity
At the Chilkat Pass, several recent D2-D3 natural avalanches were observed Dec 31-Jan 1st. They likely ran at the end of recent snowfalls over the last week. Slabs were around 1m deep and running on a midpack weak layer (possibly buried surface hoar in wind-protected areas), and also on a rain crust/facets near the ground.
Photo: Large natural slide near Chuck Creek/Dick Creek submitted to HAC this week.
Three people were buried by a slide near the Chuck Creek trailhead on Dec. 30th, with 1 survivor. More information available on our Accidents page.
Please report any observed avalanche activity on our observations page.
Weather
Our mountains have received 4-9 FEET of new snow in the last two weeks (highest amounts near Haines, least amounts at the Pass).
Rain levels reached as high as 3000ft briefly at the end of December.
| Â Snow Depth [in] | Last 24-hr Snow/SWE [in] | Last 3-days Snow/SWE [in]Â | Today’s Freezing Level [ft] | Â Today’s Winds | Next 24-hr Snow/SWE | |
Mount Ripinsky @ treeline |
 66″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 2″ / 0.20 | 0 | mod, var | 2″ / 0.20   * |
Flower Mountain @ treeline |
 80″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 4″ / 0.40 | 0 | mod, var | 2″ / 0.20   * |
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft |
 27″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 3″ / 0.25 | 0 | mod, var | 2″ / 0.20  * |
( *star means meteorological estimate )
Additional Information
Start the season with fresh batteries in your beacon. Do a beacon check with your partners at the trailhead to ensure everyone is beeping and familiar with their equipment. Do a rescue practice / beacon practice at home. ALWAYS wear a beacon, shovel, and probe, and KNOW HOW TO USE THEM!
Announcements
Details about the Dec. 30 fatal avalanche can be found on our Accidents page.
Due to limited funding this season, we will be issuing occasional advisories dependent on conditions. Click the -Full Forecast- button below for more details and to sign up for Rescue and Level 1 Courses. Please keep submitting your observations to keep everyone up-to-date on current conditions.