Haines Avalanche Center
Above 2,500ftModerate
1,500 to 2,500ftModerate
Below 1,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Aspect: All aspects.
Elevation: All elevations, mainly at and above treeline.
Bottom Line:
Weak layers (weak snow grains that form a layer within stronger grains, and/or a crusts with weak snow grains around it, and/or weak grains on the ground) are found out in our snowpack. Continued cold temps help preserve these layers for now. These weak layers exists in specific terrain features with common characteristics, but not always obvious. They could be difficult to trigger by a person and produce just a few natural avalanches. These avalanches could be relatively harmless or injury or kill a person. Identify features of concern and evaluate snow and terrain carefully.
As important to what is going on in the snow, we all should pay close attention to what is happening on the surface. This extended cold, clear, light winds with higher humidity is not a good recipe for stable snow from the next storm. Stay tuned….
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.
- Near recent observations from Old Faithful found a thin crust with weak snow down 60-70cm near 3,200′ and below. However, it was not found at Flower treeline??
- This bathtub ring effect, from lower-elevations to mid-elevation, where freezing levels are more likely to cause crusts and weak layers – should be carefully evaluated.
- Weaker snow (buried facets) growing in the top of the pack.
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.
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Avalanche Activity
This natural avalanche occurred on Dec 12th on Old Faithful during the recent wind event. It ran on a cross-loaded NE aspect at 3200ft, running on the October rain crust. It shows that given a heavy new load, this persistent weak layer can activate and cause a large avalanche.
Weather
Overnight and in to tomorrow:
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: Variable surface condition and extended fair weather could cause folks to journey into new areas and gain confidence. Found weak layers in the top 3′ of the snow pack and recent natural activity should help pump the brakes and continue proper assessment of terrain and snow. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday forecasts have begun. Click the –Full Forecast– button below for more details. Please submit your observations!