Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftModerate
1,500 to 2,500ftModerate
Below 1,500ftModerate
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Aspect: All aspects, most likely on wind loaded aspects and features SW-S-SE-E.
Elevation: All elevations, mainly at and above treeline.
Bottom Line: While triggering an avalanche has become more difficult, strong over weak layering in the upper snowpack could still produce a slide. Remain vigilant around suspect terrain such as, on exposed slopes greater than 30 degrees, below ridge-lines and in couloirs/gullies. If you venture into new terrain, keep in mind false positive confidence. Very cold temperatures continues to weaken snow at the surface and layers of concern deeper down.
Travel advice: Use safe travel techniques such as only exposing one person at a time both on the way up and down. Group up in safe zones that are out of harms way. Have good communication, including radios and a set plan in case of an emergency. Be practiced at companion rescue, identify potential hazards, and avoid possible trigger points on a given slope.
Identify old wind slab by looking for stiff or hollow surface snow, and looking for cracking, whumphing – treat these areas as highly suspect. You can find safer conditions in wind-protected areas with softer snow. Avoid terrain traps where snow could pile up quickly, or the consequences of a slide could cause injury or death.
The persistent slab danger is not healing, it is standing by waiting for the right trigger. Keep in mind that most avalanches are triggered by someone in the group.
- Snowfall Dec. 6-10th alternated with wind events and was blown around by strong NW winds on Dec. 11th
- Cold temperatures Dec. 3-5th created weak snow at the surface that is now buried in many places
- Over a meter deep: old weak layers are buried and difficult to trigger but still reactive.
- Toward the very bottom: early season snowfalls and crusts linger and are very difficult to trigger but are still of concern.
It is still possible that any surface avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers, the October rain crust, or even the ground in alpine areas.
Surface layers from Dec. 16th / Test pit results from Dec. 9th / Full profile from Dec. 8th
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Weather
A weak surface low will continue provide very light snow accumulations overnight then few to scattered clouds during the day. Low to moderate Northwest winds and temps in the teens. Not much is expected to change with our cold and dry weather outlook thru the weekend.
- A strong NW wind event began on Dec. 11, causing active wind loading
- Early December has brought in about 2-4 feet of snowfall
- November brought consistent heavy snowfalls, cold weather, and SE winds
- October brought heavy snow in the alpine, followed by a few rain/sun crusts
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 ** | 64″ | 0″ / 0.0* | 0″ / 0.0* | 0′ | light, W | 2″ / 0.10* |
Flower Mountain @ treeline | 45″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 0″ / 0.0* | 0′ | light, W | 1″ / 0.05* |
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft | 19″ | 0″ / 0.00 | 0″ / 0.0* | 0′ | light, W | 0″ / 0.00* |
( *star means meteorological estimate )
** The Ripinsky weather station is in need of repair, and will likely be down until Summer.
Additional Information
Be prepared for an emergency and hypothermia. Winter is a high consequence environment. Carry bear spray.
Become a sustaining Haines Avalanche Center Member by clicking the poster or visiting dev.alaskasnow.org/joinHAC. Support local forecasts, observations, education and weather stations. Join a community of winter recreationalists. Benefit from collective knowledge and skills. Help keep your friends and family safe in the backcountry. Get a free limited edition mountain buff, or neck gaiter with a $50 membership (first 20 members!).
Practice like you play. Make sure all your rescue gear is fully functional and your beacon has NEW batteries. Make sure 1) everyone in the group has a functioning beacon, shovel and probe 2) knows how to use them and 3) has trained in companion rescue in the last year. Keep your skills fresh. If you head into the hills, watch out for red flag avalanche conditions, natural avalanches, whoomphing or collapsing, and shooting cracks.
Education Video Links:
- AIARE
- How to Practice Avalanche Rescue Snowmobile Edition: https://youtu.be/2ML499MMDfM
- AK Sled Shed Motorized Learning:
- Intro: https://youtu.be/aoagKHfGkxs
- Personal Electronics in Avalanche Terrain: https://youtu.be/2Vz9S0OEyFk
- Snowmobile Macgyver Tool Kit: https://youtu.be/4WBNu_t6Bbk
- Head and Face Protection: https://youtu.be/jIzW89wOyZI
- Pre-season prep: https://youtu.be/zJmrb8cZlR4
- My Transceiver: https://youtu.be/yblaDWP7Jf8
- BCA Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers
- How to Fix Common Snowmobile Problems in the Field: https://youtu.be/g9fiTxEvuFk
- Sleducation: Avalanche Safety for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/EWFOd_9DYb8
- Intro to Avalanche Transceivers for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/6ZLSBmsceog
- Avalanche Transceiver Trailhead Test for Snowmobilers: https://youtu.be/rWoXbadFBsY
- Avalanche Transceiver Searching Use Snowmobiles: https://youtu.be/w1ucyI6LMXM
- BCA Avalanche Rescue Series
- Beacon Search 101: https://youtu.be/nnHXLVA2FcE
- Avalanche Probing 101: https://youtu.be/-0_yDN5Drzw
- Avalanche Shoveling 101: https://youtu.be/dGQg9o3vAkM
- Organizing a Backcountry Rescue: https://youtu.be/gywtmukgt8s
- Post Avalanche Patient Care: https://youtu.be/9FyIeUy4wpQ
- Backcountry Evacuation: https://youtu.be/WPF-dciefL8
- Complex Multiple Burials Backup Techniques: https://youtu.be/pB6AfY2KyYo
- National Avalanche Center
- Avalanche Problems Explained: https://youtu.be/DkbnT_9-cHU
- Intro to North American Avalanche Danger Scale: https://youtu.be/r_-KpOu7tbA
Announcements
Bottom Line: While triggering an avalanche has become more difficult, strong over weak layering in the upper snowpack could still produce a slide. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday forecasts have begun. Click the –Full Forecast– button below for more details. Please submit your observations!