All Observations

Forecast Center Observation

Date2022-05-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed a cornice failure that resulted in a step down slide on a NE aspect at approximately 5500’.  Temp was 28 degrees but full sunlight.  Overall snow conditions were stable with 3-4” of powder.

 
Date2022-04-29
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford’s - NW Aspect.  50+ degree temperature at 2,500’.  Soft corn conditions on surface.  60cm of snow to melt/freeze layer.  230cm of total snow depth.  Observed a large brown bear exiting den just SE of Mumford’s proper top.  

 
Date2022-04-24
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Fenhaus
AvalancheN

General Observations

Went up Piedad trail this afternoon. Snow started at ~1000ft, started skinning ~1200ft, and started boot packing on decent ~1500ft. Variable icy to corn conditions in the trees. Above tree line was variable corn conditions (primarily feed-quality corn with sections of cream corn.) Our objective of the day was to go to the weather station…

 
Date2022-04-22
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone - SE Aspect @ approximately 3,700'.  Broken clouds to mainly overcast.  Soft ice crust conditions on surface.  Dug a hand pit.  Encountered a reactive layer 10 cm down on buried surface hoar.  Also, a well bonded melt/freeze crust or rime layer 28 cm down.  From 3,000' down to treeline, generally soft corn conditions…

 
Date2022-04-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Above freezing temperatures and strong solar radiation helped jump start the spring shed. Below 2500' on a north aspect corn snow appeared mid-day, while elevations higher up held on to colder drier snow. Any aspect with sun exposure began to produce point releases around rocks and cliffs, along with snow falling off of…

 
Date2022-04-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass Zone: Spent a few day out touring a variety of aspects and elevations. Highly variable conditions from the strong north winds. Snow changed every 100ft from sastrugi, to hollow wind slab, to recycled powder, to lightly roasted corn, to supportable and breakable crust. The sun warmed up solar aspects which softened the snow,…

 
Date2022-04-15
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass: NW shoulder of Three-Guardsmen. Found 5cm of very reactive wind slab at the top of the snowpack, and another reactive wind slab from 5-30cm deep, but neither slabs showed propagation in this particular spot. It's a good reminder to be vigilant of these wind slabs anywhere they could be stiffer, thicker, or on…

 
Date2022-04-09
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass. Heard tell of sketchy conditions on the S ridge of Nadahini, from a group that aborted and went to find safer terrain. Also heard report of buried surface hoar found on NE aspect of Nadahini near 4500ft. We stuck to mellow east aspects and enjoyed great snow and sun. Surface was dense powder…

 
Date2022-04-06
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transition Zone, NE aspect at approximately 3500’.  30-40 cm of new snow since Monday.  Encountered heavy sluff on 35°+ rollovers.  In some instances enough to pull down a rider.  

 
Date2022-03-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2600’/N-Aspect/Broken/Calm/27F. Found 30cm of wind slab near-treeline that was less noticeable where scouring from the 3/21-22 wind occurred. Able to pull a shear off over the old snow layer with quick hand pits and locate it with ski pole probe. Avoided steep loaded convexities. Overall surface conditions were soft with supportable snow underneath.…

 
Date2022-03-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transition zone - NW aspect @ approximately 4,600’. Observed several new smaller avalanches along with increased sluff activity.  Substantial amounts of new snow over the past week and generally stable snow conditions in the more protected areas.  Noticeable wind loading on ridge lines and lesser protected aspects.

 
Date2022-03-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 3600’/E-Aspect/Few clouds/Calm/25F-32F. The sun was pumping heat throughout the day. Isothermal snow at lower elevations on solar aspects that gradually firmed up around 1500'. Near ridgeline found areas of denser wind effect snow and eventually drier surface deposits above 2500'. Dug a pit at 2700' with a total snow depth of 120cm. Found…

 
Date2022-03-20
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Fenhaus
AvalancheN

General Observations

Snow stopped as we were leaving the cars 0930 and sun began to show itself through broken/ overcast sky. Dug a pit at 2400ft on a NE Aspect. Calm. 32 degrees Fahrenheit air temperature. 9cm of fresh snow. A column test produced a test result, CT16 down 20cm. Extended column tests had no propagating results…

 
Date2022-03-19
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3600’/N-Aspect/Scattered/Moderate S-Wind/25F. Found 10cm of fresh deposits around 1700' over varying degrees of old wind slab. The dense wind effect sounded hallow, but did not shoot cracks or whump in that spot. An extended column test at 2100' produced a propagating test result with ECTP26 down 35cm on 1-2mm rounding facets around a…

 
Date2022-03-16
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

It’s been a minute.  Fantastic day up at treeline.  Freezing level was around 1800’.  Snowed most the day.  Knee deep SE blower goodness!  But could definitely still notice the old wind effect from a week ago in spots.

 
Date2022-03-13
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

7 Mile Saddle, 2,700’, S aspect. HS 115 HN 10. Mid pack has several melt/freeze and rain crusts and is pencil+ hard. Layer of concern down 55 below the crust complex. December outflow with ~ 2cm of near crust facets. ECTP down 55 Very Hard (32). Failure occurred at the top of this weak layer.…

 
Date2022-03-12
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2100’/N-Aspect/Obscured to Broken/Moderate South Wind/30F. South wind was gusting strong enough to knock snow off the trees. Visibility came and went all day with thick clouds rolling in and clearing as high clouds passed overhead. New snow at the surface was 4" of dry to moist over a supportable crust. Because it was…

 
Date2022-03-08
LocationHaines
ObserverAnonymous
AvalancheN

General Observations

Rainy Hallow at Haines Pass had recent natural avalanche activity on multiple aspects. At 3500' on N-aspect fresh wind slab 1-3' deep ran 300' x 1200'. This could have been triggered by a cornice fall and ran over buried surface hoar. Variable spring conditions with increasing elevation and snowpack layering. 

 
Date2022-03-03
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Shallow crown observed on SE aspect ~3000 feet above Chilkat Lake. Likely triggered by point realest from above. Numerous point releases on all aspects above tree line in Transitional Zone. 

 
Date2022-03-04
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed a large, basin wide, all aspects slide that extended from approximately 2500’ down to Chilkoot Lake.  The debris field was extensive (20’ x 30’ high in places) and over a quarter mile wide with the tops of trees and full trees knocked down all the way to the lake shore.  Slide appeared to have occurred…

 
Date2022-03-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Approximately  4800’ - SW Aspect.  Triggered a wind slab avalanche 100’ x 100’ on a rollover.  Was able to ski out of it.  General conditions were hard stable snow with 4-6” fresh light snow on top.  Some wind loading apparent in areas.  

 
Date2022-03-04
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Fenhaus
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone, 3:00pm, 2350 ft, N aspect, no precipitation, overcast, light south wind, ski/ boot pen 8 / 26cm, -5 C  2mm surface hoar, began seeing SH formations at 1000ft breakable crust style skiing CTC down 3cm       ECT SC 24 down 29cm 

 
Date2022-03-03
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Shallow crown observed on SE aspect ~3000 feet above Chilkat Lake. Likely triggered by point realest from above. Numerous point releases on all aspects above tree line in Transitional Zone. 

 
Date2022-02-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinski @ 2,600’.  SE aspect.  3-4” of new snow on top of hard ice pack.  Snow/rain line at approximately 1800’.  

 
Date2022-02-23
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Wind scoured hard pack with 5-6” of powder in places.  NW aspect.  Dug a pit - found no signs of obvious instability.  

 
Date2022-02-23
LocationHaines
ObserverAlpinejillson
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mulfords 2600’. 1-2” fresh snow on hard crust. Didn’t dig into the snow pack but no cracking or whumpfing observed. Very light N wind ~25 degrees. Fast dust on crust descent. Will be interesting to see what the next warm front brings.

 
Date2022-02-22
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Fenhaus
AvalancheN

General Observations

Traveled up to 2700ft. Extremely firm snow with 2cm fresh snow on top (just enough to hold an edge!) Overcast, light snow (S-1), snow depth 300 cm, signs of previous wind effect from the north, and was actively blowing lightly from the south. Some potential faceting below a crust down 6 cm from surface.  A…

 
Date2022-02-20
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

5 Mile Creek Haines Pass @2,500’, W aspect HNS ~20cm. HS 165. Very strong N winds ripping down the pass with flagging evident atop ridge lines. Wind affected and sastrugi above tree line. 20 cm of new snow sitting on a firm bed surface near and below tree line. Down 50cms, a 1 cm crust…

 
Date2022-02-14
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed this little pocket of deep-ish slab on a W aspect at about 4000ft. Probably triggered by cornice, and the crown is filled in by recent snow so it probably occurred about a week ago.

 
Date2022-02-14
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2600’/S-Aspect/High clouds & sun/Light N-wind/29F. Hard surface conditions are primed for snow to slide over with the next round of precipitation. The snow line was at 1500' with enough snow to cover alders above that. It looked thick where south winds had blown snow in however only probed 100-120cm at 2000'. Dug a…

 
Date2022-02-10
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional/back end of flower.  Was nice to have a clear day to have a look around.  Last storm was windy and warm.  Rain went up to ~3000’ and widespread wind effect. The storm ended with a clear and cold night.  Some surface hoar noted.  Found a wind slab down a foot that took moderate stress…

 
Date2022-02-04
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Went for a nice cold, long and very alder bashing journey out towards Nataga.  Only got to first switch back.  Was not surprised to find a shallow snow pack with a very poor structure.  Plus that valley is a giant wind tunnel. However, the clouds broke and the sun popped out in the afternoon.  Good…

 
Date2022-02-04
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak zone, 2800ft. observed multiple fresh natural soft slab avalanches on NE, SE, and S aspects near 3000ft. These ran within the new storm snow. Also got eyes on the 3865 deep slab avalanche from last weekend. It appears that slide was around 6ft deep. New snow was around 2ft deep. Low density pow!Dug a…

 
Date2022-02-03
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone.  Just after digging my stuck sled out, I used the hole already opened and looked at the snowpack.  Found the layers of concern.  Buried surface hoar down about a foot and the facets (down around 3’) from the outflow event back in December.   Surprisingly the SH layer did not show easy propagation…

 
Date2022-02-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500’/NW-Aspect/Overcast/Calm/Light Snow/10F. A couple inches of new snow capped the low density powder from yesterday. Underneath were a range of brittle crusts near the surface with a mostly hard supportable layer underneath. Between 1500'-2000' on NW-aspect was a uniquely weak crust/facet combo down 6" that probably had to do with pooling of warm…

 
Date2022-02-02
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinski @ Summit. 15 cm of blower cold smoke all the way to sea level. Settlement cracks within the storm snow existed on convexities. A R1D1 avalanche was observed near 2,000' on a NE aspect around the top of Mumford's. Attached photo is from an observed R3 D3 avalanche on the S aspect with a…

 
Date2022-02-01
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed two avalanches in the Transitional Zone: N aspect at 4800ft, and E aspect at 4000ft. Both appear to fit the pattern of wide propagation and sheltered slopes, same as other obs this week. Suspect surface hoar was the weak layer.

 
Date2022-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Headed south from Boundry Glacier by plane.  N aspect at approximately 3,600’.  Appeared to be a total basin wide slide on surface hoar.  The crown appeared to be around 4’-6’ and the slope was calculated at approximately 35° from Gaia.  Massive debris pile at bottom.

 
Date2022-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Went for a drive up around 35 mile.  Noticed multiple natural avalanche ( N/ S/SW ~ 4-5500’) from the last storm cycle.  Noted that the crows went up/over/around terrain features and some had large/wide propagation. Also noted the starting zones were typically lower on the slope (protected).  Seems like the characteristics of buried surface hoar…

 
Date2022-01-30
LocationHaines
ObserverStacie Evans
AvalancheN

General Observations

Glory Hole: Treacherous ascent to subalpine (postholing + hard pack icy snow). Strong NW wind affecting entire area. Noticed wind slab starting to form just below tree line and above. Wind also thoroughly scouring ridges. Numerous and extensive natural avalanches visible on all aspects. Shallow crown on N facing slides (debris from recent storm), however…

 
Date2022-01-30
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed multiple natural avalanches driving over the pass to town. Slides were at similar elevations, on different aspects. They all looked around the same depth 1-3' and size D2+. Due to the fairly wide propagation and where they're located below terrain features, my best guess is that these ran more recently on buried surface hoar…

 
Date2022-01-30
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: Skied out of Chuck Creek trailhead today. Found about 30cm of wind slab with 10cm of powder on top. Beneath the wind slab was about 5cm of weak/facetted snow, which made for a noticeable hollow feeling. No whumphing observed. Saw active wind loading occurring on slopes lee to the north wind. Also…

 
Date2022-01-29
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Wow, deep days.  Went off upper sunshine rd first.  Crazy wet and heavy but still deep.  Rained up to around 1500’.  Then went up to flower treeline.  Found colder but still moist snow (around 2’ new).  Got a nice break in the clouds then the SE winds and clouds rolled back in.  Just above TL…

 
Date2022-01-29
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford's at 1800' N aspect. HS 300cm. HN 10cm. Crust complex from January 9-15th storm lies buried 60cm down. All crusts are brittle and no notable near crust faceting. ECTN 22 down 60. The start of a very thin (.5cm) breakable melt freeze crust on the ski down hampered enjoyable skiing conditions.  

 
Date2022-01-27
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Flower TL (tree line) was enjoyable today.  Went with a friend that has been a minute since we have dipped a ski together. Was snowing nicely with calm winds and mild temps.  Did not see any red flags from small sled slope test.  But I did dig a quick test pit and found the new…

 
Date2022-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Found some sunshine and widespread surface hoar at treeline and above on flower ridge today.  Jumped on some small, safe test slopes just above treeline on SE aspect with no red flags at that location.

 
Date2022-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2400’/N-Aspect/Overcast-Fog/Calm/Freezing Rain/25F. A very thin drizzle crust capped yesterday's powder over a supportable melt-freeze crust. Below that a mix of melt-freeze layers and softer snow about 8-12" deep depending on elevation.  The thick ice crust from January 10th warm up is noticeable and heavy. Total snow depth was 270cm where we dug, over…

 
Date2022-01-19
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Tukgahgo @ 2,800’.  N Aspect.  Observed numerous natural avalanches above tree line on NE/NW aspects.  They appeared to be wet/loose.  Average size was 100’ x 100’.  There was 4-8” of new snow on top of hard rain crust layer.  Additionally, there is another hard crust layer approximately 48 cm below the surface as well as…

 
Date2022-01-19
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinski Weather Station at 2,500' on a N aspect. HS 185, HNS 5. S-2 and L North winds. ECTN down 20cm on 2cm crust. PST 85/100 END down 20. 3 distinct crust layers in top 20cm of snowpack. Dust on crust skiing in the alpine. Challenging ski conditions below tree line due to large, frozen…

 
Date2022-01-17
LocationHaines
Observerwill wacker
AvalancheN

General Observations

Pit dug at 4000ft S slope produced ECT 13 at 15cms. Another density change with facets found at 80cms. O results from ski cuts.  full day of skiing at 4-5000ft great conditions. temp 17 degrees. 

 
Date2022-01-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 2700’/E-Aspect/Clear/Light N Wind/15F. Observed D2 pocket of wind slab that got remotely triggered on Saturday and D1 loose dry point releases on solar aspects. Crusty below treeline with small 1mm surface hoar on protected slopes. Transitioned to softer surface conditions around 1700′ with light wind affect powder 5″ deep above treeline. Supportive overall…

 
Date2022-01-16
LocationHaines
ObserverAAS Level 1 Rec
AvalancheN

General Observations

During the Alaska Avalanche School Level 1 in Haines on day 3, students observed obscured skies, calm winds, mild temperatures, light rain & snow, with fog around 1000'. At a pit site on a north aspect at 900' a saturated surface snowpack had rain runnel with several wet melt-freeze crusts and percolation columns. At 1200'…

 
Date2022-01-15
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Noticed some wind textured snow and some smooth snow.  Also a natural avalanche on the same aspect.

 
Date2022-01-15
LocationHaines
ObserverTony demarco
AvalancheN

General Observations

4 winds. Rain crust to about  2000’. Dry snow above. Collapse and remote triggered avalanche from ridge at around 3000’. Couple hundred feet wide, couple hundred feet long🤷‍♀️. Clouds and terrain prevented photos or confidence in estimate of size. 

 
Date2022-01-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Several small loose wet avalanche along the Haines highway. In some areas entrained snow debris piles were over 6 feet deep. These most likely occurred when temperatures were above freezing, or with any rain-on-snow.

 
Date2022-01-13
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 1800’/NW-aspect/Overcast-Valley Fog 1000-1500'/Light Snow/Calm/29F. Isothermal snowpack below treeline with a thin surface melt-freeze crust that started around 1500'. There was snow on the trees above 2200' so it may have stayed cold enough above that. A few melt-freeze and ice layers in the top foot of snow. Down 3' there was a fairly…

 
Date2022-01-13
LocationHaines
ObserverSean Reed
AvalancheN

General Observations

Full profile pit above 2nd meadow on Mumfords. Aspect is NW, not NE. Light rain on uptrack with decent rain runnels noted, minor roller balls noted. Mix of snow/rain at approximately 1600ft in elevation at 12:30pm, changing to light snowfall at approximately 1800ft. Noted a hard ice crust approximately 105cm down from snow surface.

 
Date2022-01-09
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Got up to flower treeline during the storm for some good turns in and around all the alders.  Around a foot of very fluffy cold new snow.  No wind to speak of and snow drizzled off by end of the day.

 
Date2022-01-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford’s @ 1,800’.  Extreme wind erosion at and above the tree line.  1-4 cm crust at surface extends in many places.  

 
Date2022-01-01
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford's @ 1900' N aspect. Height snow 195cm. Height of new snow 60cm. CTE1(SC) and CTE3(SC). Both of these compression tests failed on different layers within the recent storm snow. ECTN3. Evidence of wind transported snow in open areas near treeline. Buried surface hoar found in isolated and protected areas with quick handpits below treeline.

 
Date2021-12-31
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone. Chilkat lake. Snowpit from an opening below treeline. Went looking for buried Surface hoar, and I found it easily. The "thin grey line" indicates a layer of buried surface hoar that formed a week or two ago. This will be a dangerous weak layer anywhere it is preserved. (think clearings in the trees,…

 
Date2021-12-31
LocationHaines
ObserverChandler
AvalancheN

General Observations

We skied to 2000-2500 feet elevation at Mulford's in low angle terrain and trees. Snow accumulated throughout the day up to an estimated 8" by 2:00 PM. The new unconsolidated snow rested on a soft crust: we didn't break the crust on skis but fell through in our boots. Snow during the morning was light…

 
Date2021-12-26
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Happy holidays.  Went up Flower with a great crew and yes, it was wind hammered.  With the flat light and scorned snow, I did not take a photo.  Found some softer snow down off the sides, but the alders kept it interesting.  Bounced on some small rolls and nothing of interest.  We did note the…

 
Date2021-12-23
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford's at 1800', N Aspect, 32 degree slope. Very brittle and barely pronounced crust exists at 70 cm. 1.5-2mm surface hoar. 

 
Date2021-12-18
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 5-10mm surface hoar formed last night and was present all the way to mountain top level. Upper snowpack has a few wind slabs in the alpine, but not seeing propagation potential. More concerned about thin rocky areas on ridges. We found one such spot where I punched through to weak and faceted snow…

 
Date2021-12-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed a natural avalanche that was most likely triggered during the strong wind event Dec. 12 and failed on a persistent weak layer 1-4ft deep. This hard slab avalanche was 200ft wide and ran 800ft with the destructive size to to bury, injure, or kill. The average slope angle of the path measured on Google…

 
Date2021-12-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 1600'/NW-aspect/Broken/Calm/5F. High and dry is the new norm? What happened to our endless refills?? Cold temperatures dominated the picture of traveling in the mountains today, with cracking wind slab on small exposed test slopes above 1500'. Found two weak layer interfaces in the upper snowpack that showed some degree of reactivity but were…

 
Date2021-12-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Top of Mumford’s.  Extensive wind erosion.  Good skiing though on the hardpack.  Pronounced cracks around some of the trees on the upper section that were not apparent on 12/11/21.  3” of new snow below wind eroded zone.

 
Date2021-12-15
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

South side of Ripinski 2,200'. Height of snow 200cm. Notable wind transport occurred near and above treeline on the S-SE aspects that we traveled on from the last wind event a couple days ago. Sheltered and protected areas still contain soft snow with a 20-30cm ski penetration. Open areas contain ≤40 cm of wind packed…

 
Date2021-12-12
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

A good friend was kind enough to share these photos with me.  A natural avalanche caused by rapid wind loading from the North winds last Saturday.  Location is the NE shoulder of Old Faithful, ~3,200’,  ~35 degree slope. Of note:  ~35 degree slope /  around rocks or thin spots  /  rapid loading  /  repeat offender…

 
Date2021-12-12
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak zone, below treeline: steeper openings in the trees had about 40cm thick 1F wind slab near the surface, which was resting on a 4F (softer) layer about 8cm thick. We didn't see any action on this layer, but the structure wasn't ideal and I believe it could be triggered in the right circumstances. Keep…

 
Date2021-12-11
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinsky area today: Above treeline and in openings in the trees, conditions are slabby. Southeast winds created slabs in the upper 2ft of new snow, with softer weak layers in between. We felt two or three whumphs, which seemed like these new wind slabs settling. Pole probing found these layers to be consistent in many…

 
Date2021-12-10
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sometimes a nice swath of pow leads to a jungle of alders.  And then you have to manually turn your sled around.  It happens. Got barreled by cold, blower pow at tree-line on Flower as I was out for observation.  Happy to see the wind was gracious to the pow.  Using a trench  from a…

 
Date2021-12-09
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2200'/NW-aspect/Broken-Overcast/Calm/20F. There was 8" of new snow from yesterday's storm that sat over supportive windpack. This denser snow beneath the new snow was more noticeable above 1500' where the south wind had affected it. Dug a test pit at 2200' and the total depth of snow was 215cm. The snowpack structure down 160cm…

 
Date2021-12-08
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinski at 2,200 feet to check on the weather station. Dug a pit on a N aspect with a total snow height of 170cm and 15 cm of new snow. Of note was 10cm of basal facets, a weak layer at 105cm and a new snow layer at 155cm. Compression tests yielded a few results…

 
Date2021-12-06
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Very fresh bear tracks coming out of Johnson Creek and right up the main Ripinsky trail today at 2000′. Was on the way to the weather station at 2500′ to clear off snow & rime. Interpreted the tracks as a red flag and turned around. Reminder on what is bear terrain and how similarly it…

 
Date2021-12-05
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford's @ 2,200'. Dug a quick pit on a 15 degree N aspect with a total snow depth of 240cm. Meanwhile, 10 cm of fresh low density, "high floof" snow had fallen and was continuing at a rate of 2 cm an hour. Found what is likely an October rain crust at 90cm, with 140cm…

 
Date2021-12-04
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Strong.

 
Date2021-12-04
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Got into the alpine on North slopes of Ripinsky today. Skies mostly clear, winds light NW. No wind affect of the new snow or fresh wind slabs in this area. Dug a pit near 3300ft. Total snow depth was 200cm. Snowpack was mostly well bonded wind packed snow 1F in hardness. Felt a few softer…

 
Date2021-12-01
LocationHaines
ObserverBrady McGuire
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumford's- Overnight and morning rain made for a saturated and heavy skin from sea level to ~750'. The rain also contributed to an overhead hazard of large chunks of dense snow falling from trees. Above 1000' fresh, wet snow was falling at a consistent rate of S4 (4 cm an hour).   At 1800'/NE aspect/25 degree slope,…

 
Date2021-11-28
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Obs from Mumfords today. Near treeline the SE winds were blowing enough to transport snow and cause some wind loading on terrain features. Freshly loaded snow was tender and easy to trigger shooting cracks about 10cm deep. In wind affected areas, also found 80cm-thick wind slab (1F hard) sitting over a 5cm-thick weak layer (fist-hard).…

 
Date2021-11-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: South winds are drifting new surface storm snow from yesterday into soft wind slabs that are shooting cracks. Steep roll-overs and exposed open terrain above 30 degrees are suspect. These wind slabs could range from a few inches thick to several feet deep in spots prone to wind drifting, including terrain traps.  Look…

 
Date2021-11-23
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Fenhaus
AvalancheN

General Observations

Snow is consolidating over the past two day from settlement and slightly increasing temperatures. Still early season with buried trees and downfall. Found 160cm of total snow depth at 2360'.

 
Date2021-11-21
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Great skiing at Mumfords today. But the new snow is deep and quite unstable (see below). We stuck to trees and slopes 30 degrees and less.The new snow is about 20" deep, low density, no wind effect, and very poorly bonded. We were able to easily trigger small soft slabs on switchbacks. We dug a…

 
Date2021-11-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJohn Upton
AvalancheN

General Observations

Surprisingly good snow conditions above 1000’ with very little differentiation between layers.   Minimal wind or wind loading.  

 
Date2021-11-14
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: A foot of fresh new snow from Friday Nov. 12 was over the old snow and a melt-freeze crust. Light wind effect above 2000′ made for denser surface conditions. Dug a pit on a southeast aspect at 2900′ (22F light north wind 3/8 skies) with a total snow depth of 50cm. Easy test…

 
Date2021-11-09
LocationHaines
ObserverAnonymous
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  Found 3-6 ft snow depth around 4000’.  Dug a couple pits with no results and no layer of concern besides a easy wind slab ankle deep.  Skied NE aspect with enjoyable surface conditions.  Noted decent cornice development over N facing bowl that had previously shed and moved some snow and chunks of cornice…

 
Date2021-10-31
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Early season conditions with trace amounts of snow above 2000', 10-15cm total depth and decent surface conditions above 2500', 30cm+ total with melt-freeze layers and a surface rime crust above 3000'. Valley fog in the morning up to 1500' otherwise clear calm sunny skies. Sun at mid-elevations packed a punch melting ice and…

 
Date2021-10-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Drove through the Haines Pass and noticed a variety of glide cracks and glide avalanches around 3000-3500' over bare earth at the upper Klehini Valley, Rainy Hollow and Three Guardsmen.

 
Date2021-10-16
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Old Faithful, Saturday 10/16/2021. Cool, calm, sunny. Temperatures remained below freezing all day. Snow is deep enough to skin starting around 2500ft. Above 3000ft: snowpack is 30-100cm deep, averaging about 60cm in most places. These NE aspects were wind protected and the snow was surprisingly soft and good. Snowpack consisted of well bonded storm layers…

 
Date2021-10-01
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Avalanche season is definitely here. There's multiple feet of recent snowpack above 3600ft. Strong south winds have built new storm slabs in wind loaded terrain. This photo was sent in to us yesterday 10/1 from the Transitional zone (Flower Mountain area). That's a D2-D3 natural slide, north aspect, started near 4000ft. If you get out…

 
Date2021-09-19
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Winter is not far off with current snow levels above 4,000' - it is time to put on your avalanche eye balls and look critically at terrain in your favorite zones. -Where are early season slabs most likely to form in the terrain (wind loading and cross loading)? -What type of anchoring exists…

 
Date2021-04-19
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed this D3 wet slab in action at about 2pm today. Transitional zone, Takhin ridge, E aspect at 2800ft. We are still in the midst of a large wet slide cycle. Expect this kind of activity to continue during times of daytime solar radiation.

 
Date2021-04-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500’/E-Aspect/Clear/Light N-Wind/45F. Strong solar radiation and above freezing temperatures kicked off spring with the first big wet avalanche cycle of the season. All aspects and elevations appeared to have released wet debris and loud natural avalanches occurred throughout the day with near record high temperatures. Without a strong overnight freeze below 32F, surface…

 
Date2021-04-15
LocationHaines
ObserverLucinda Boyce
AvalancheN

General Observations

04/15/2021: 6PM 5.75/6 mile Haines Highway, heard avalance coming down from Ripinski Ridge, west of Schnabel's gravel pit, just east of slide above 6mile. Looked to have tracked down the east side of the 6mile bowl. 04/16/2021: 11AM 6 mile Haines Highway, heard avalance coming down from Rpiniski Ridge, in appx same area as 04/15/2021.

 
Date2021-04-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Some loose wet activity on solar aspects around shallow rock and cliff features and at lower elevations. Plenty of built up cornices on north and west aspects. Found a huge amount very old avalanche debris likely from early December 2020 rain event on a SE aspect. Debris had plenty of earth in it…

 
Date2021-03-28
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 2500’/E-Aspect/Clear/Moderate W-NW wind/22F. Visible wind transport above treeline that formed soft and reactive wind slab on lee-ward slopes. These fresh wind slabs were over a pencil hard crust. Below treeline supportable crust with 1-2" of surface snow. The sun felt warm and helped soften lower elevation slopes. For late March, we are still…

 
Date2021-02-25
LocationHaines
ObserverKristoph
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lots of ‘Whompfs’! 1300’ south face of ripinski. Location is approximate 

 
Date2021-03-22
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed an impressive D3 natural slide on steep unsupported S/SE aspect at about 4500ft. Appears to have occurred today with direct solar radiation on the slope. This is an indication of the wide propagation potential and deep slab nature of our tricky persistent slab problem. South aspects should be considered highly suspect during times of…

 
Date2021-03-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2200'/S-Aspect/Obscured/Moderate NW wind/22F. Dug on a S-aspect below tree-line in the meadows above Cathedral View. Found recent storm snow over a series of melt-freeze crusts. Down 100cm identified a suspect layer above the hard melt-freeze crust. This layer resembled a thin grey line and consisted of facets over a hard crust and possibly…

 
Date2021-03-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 2000’/E-Aspect/Overcast/Calm/15F. Total snow depth was 200cm near tree-line. Slight wind effect above teee-line. East aspect had 15cm of recycled powder. Isolated whumphing over old facets around 1200'. South aspect had melt-freeze layers in the upper snowpack.

 
Date2021-03-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2300'/N-Aspect/Obscured/Heavy snowfall/Calm then moderate south wind/Near 32F. Upper snowpack was warming up without the cold dry storm slab from Monday. Temperatures were peaking near 32F but stayed cool enough for it to stay snow. 25cm of fresh deposits over 5cm of settled snow from 3/16 and 15cm from 3/15. Found four intermittent melt-freeze…

 
Date2021-03-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500’/N-aspect/Obscured/Calm/Snowing/21F. Reactive storm snow in the top 30cm of new deposits on slopes greater than 35 degrees. Underneath the fresh soft slab was a supportable wind pack that made for a smooth surface to run on. Detected a thin melt-freeze crust (maybe sun crust?) below the new snow. Used a probe to identify…

 
Date03/15/2021
LocationHaines
ObserverKristoph
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lots of ‘Whompfs’! 1300’ south face of ripinski. Location is approximate

 
Date2021-03-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 4500'/E-aspect/Clear-broken/Calm to Light N-wind/20F. Very distinct layering at different elevation bands. Below 1500' in alder clearing, refrozen new snow was over rotten snow on a hard crust, observed some collapsing. From 1500' to 2500', surface snow had softened on a supportable crust, but new snow/old snow was reactive in a test pit, with…

 
Date2021-03-06
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone: Observed widespread D2-D3 natural deep slab avalanches on multiple aspects between 1000-3500ft. These were all from the last few days. Also two whumphs on open convexities. Finally, D2 natural avalanche on NW aspect at 4000ft. Stability is poor below 4000ft, with wind protected areas the most sketchy.

 
Date2021-03-06
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  Flower ridge.  High temp 37F. Surface conditions mix of hot and cold pow depending on aspect and exposure.  No signs of instability.  Dug a pit (2200’/North) looking for MLK crust.  It was down around 3’.  Was not very pronounced. Propagating saw test showed no results of failure of the weak layer, no propagation.…

 
Date2021-03-06
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone:  Upper Walker lake.  Rapid warming.  35-40 F.  Felt like spring as sprung.  Did a sled slope test.  Initiated shooting crack on North aspect, around 1800’.  Hand pit showed planner interface at bed surface.

 
Date2021-03-04
LocationHaines
ObserverLeo Wald
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone. Noticed shooting cracks and new snow slabbing and sliding.

 
Date2021-02-28
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  Upper sunshine road zone +-  1800’.  Temps hovering around 32F.  Moderate to strong S-SE winds.  Moderate snow fall with 6” + new snow and counting. Found signs of instability.  Pictures show shooting cracks and a small slab triggered by sled on a slope around 30 degrees.  Noted is this is the first slab…

 
Date2021-02-27
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone, Flower tree line.  Temps just below freezing 32F.  Moderate winds out of the S-SE.  Snow showers, overcast skies. Was teaching a HAC sled avy course.  Given the considerable avy forecast and poor structure found in top 3’ of snowpack we keep to terrain under 30 degrees.  Snow pit tests did not show propagating…

 
Date2021-02-27
LocationHaines
ObserverIsaac Deuling
AvalancheN

General Observations

Dug on a N asp at 3800’ above Chillkat Lake. My pit was 130cm deep. 45cm of recent soft surface snow is sitting on 70 cm’s of four finger 1mm facets. Great structure in this zone. CT score of 27 - BRK - down 50 cm’s. ECTX. HS was 370. No signs of recent avy…

 
Date2021-02-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Whumphing and shooting cracks anywhere the new snow had condensed to form a slab over weak old snow/crust facets combos. Observed a recent natural avalanche on NE-aspect around 3,150′ that ran 700′ (more details below). On a E-aspect at 2,800′ had a significant settlement that turned us around on rime and wind swept…

 
Date2021-02-25
LocationHaines
ObserverKristoph
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lots of ‘Whompfs’! 1300’ south face of ripinski. Location is approximate 

 
Date2021-02-24
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  Lower and mid meadows around flower (up to 2500’) and out the Tsirku/Takhin river.  Friends report numerous low angle/below 1500’ natural avalanches out the Tsirku/Takhin river confluence yesterday.  Today took the sleds around flower today.  No natural activity.  But poor structure (weak layer/facets over a firm bed surface).  New snow is unconsolidated/lack of…

 
Date2021-02-21
LocationHaines
ObserverLevel 1 Rec
AvalancheN

General Observations

Woke up to 12" of new snow overnight over 3" from the day before total 15" or 40cm. Strong winds in the morning were swirly, from north and then prevailing south. Observed visible snow wind transport and that created white out and hazardous conditions at times driving to the trailhead. Changed our initial plan about…

 
Date2021-02-21
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

24" of great new snow above 1000ft. Sitting on a thick bed of facets. On wind protected spots there was no slab, but the new snow did want to move around. Observed cracking/sliding on our skintrack switchbacks. Also one whumph at about 2600ft, NE aspect at the top of a rollover. Did not cause a…

 
Date2021-02-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3000'/W-Aspect/Overcast/Calm/17F. Weak faceted snow at the surface between 10-25cm deep, including needle surface hoar over a thin crust. Below 2500' punchy facet crust combos in the upper 25cm of snowpack. Basically weak sugar snow, or near-surface facets over a hard crust everywhere. Any future load will pose significant avalanche hazard between the old…

 
Date2021-02-14
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Pit dug in alder clearing below treeline. 900ft elevation. Slope was not windloaded, but areas higher up had been cross loaded and likely had significant wind slabs above the hard ice layers. Overall, lots of large grained facets. Surface hoar growing again on top, but only in protected spots. Anywhere there is wind slab on…

 
Date2021-02-06
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 1600'/N-Aspect/Clear/Calm/15F. Deep bear instabilities. This problem is at and below the surface. You can trigger these unexpected encounters by traveling through den habitat and anywhere in the Alaskan wilderness. Brown bears in our area prefer dens on steep slopes at moderate elevation 1350-3800', but averaging 2500', in smooth well drained topography that promotes…

 
Date2021-02-06
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  15-25mph winds at ridge tops out of the North.  Noted mainly in Flower area.  Forecasted more moderate to heavy outflow winds and even colder temps.  Spatial loading for now moving to wide spread.  It’s getting to be very complicate out there leading towards crucial decision making.  Stay safe out there friends.

 
Date2021-02-04
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 1500ft, NE aspect. (See photo) This D2 pocket wind slab is a good example of how cross loaded terrain is holding fresh wind slabs that rest on buried surface hoar or facet layers. Watch out for cross loaded pockets, especially since they tend to funnel into terrain traps.

 
Date2021-02-04
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone:  Wind effects on all exposed terrain.  Did find some isolated pockets of good snow.  However, remember protected also means preserved.  Keep an eye out (dig and signs of instability) for buried persistent layers.

 
Date2021-02-04
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Douthit
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak- an ice fog candy coated all the fresh powder we skied from~2900’-1000’ . A  temperature inversion/ warmer temps also seemed to be slightly consolidating airy fresh snow. Sugary snow in-between January rain crusts. 

 
Date2021-02-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2000'/N-Aspect/Overcast-Broken/Calm. The cold temperatures this past week have worked to weaken certain layers especially around crusts.  Strong winds from the north have loaded features that are now not as obvious and buried under today's 10cm of light new deposits. This new snow on steep pockets was running fast over the old surface down…

 
Date2021-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 2500'/SE-Aspect/Clear /Calm/14F/HS 205cm. Observed 2-5mm surface hoar over 10cm of soft powder on a hard crust everywhere. Next snowfall over this setup will be touchy. With any new snow small slopes, ravines and terrain traps could slide and pile up quickly. Near treeline areas of punchy wind slab under the soft surface conditions.…

 
Date2021-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observations from Jones Gap, Lutak Zone, 3000ft. North aspects have great skiing and good stability. 4-12" of blower pow over pencil-hard rain/rime crust. In a few steep areas there was some softer layering under the crust, but overall well bonded. 5-10mm surface hoar is growing pretty much everywhere out there, alpine bowls included. Whatever snow…

 
Date2021-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverRachel Something
AvalancheN

General Observations

Surface hoar forming in open areas on top of ~5” fresh powder. Snow in-between January rain crusts was sugary. Variable, but friendly approach. Boot packed to and from first meadow with ice grippers on, then skinned comfortably above the second meadow. Good skiing overall.

 
Date2021-01-29
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3500'/NE-Aspect/Overcast/Calm/17F/HS 265cm. Above 1500' overnight snowfall total was 10cm on top of either 1) last weekend's 10cm 2) this week's wind packed snow, or 3) rime crust at the ridge. Below 2500' there was a crust combo from MLK day with a thin hard ice crust 20-60cm down, 5cm of 4F snow, and…

 
Date2021-01-28
LocationHaines
ObserverIsaac Deuling
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mostly sunny day, calm winds, with a constant temp of -12C up near the head waters of Klehini. No boiler plate crust at the 5 mile trail head, always a bonus! The BTL and TL are holding 25-35cm of light unconsolidated snow on top of a breakable 1-2 cm temp crust. We dug on a…

 
Date2021-01-26
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone.  Active wind loading through out the day.  Winds out of North-West. Noticed cross-loading as well.

 
Date2021-01-25
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 4800'/E-aspect/Overcast/Light N-wind/12F. Cloudy for a partly sunny day at Old Faithful. Overnight winds from the north added texture to the surface with areas of packed powder and wind slab above 2500'. Better snow quality and 1mm surface hoar below 2500'. Dug near the top on a shallow SE aspect HS 80cm, more out…

 
Date2021-01-24
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2800'/NW-aspect/Overcast then clearing/Calm, light N wind/23F/HS 320cm. Loose dry snow in the top 10cm on slopes greater than 35 degrees. Surface forms in the first photo include <1mm needles. The deeper snowpack was quiet and stability was overall good. Noticed settlement cracks around trees. Old crown lines on N-and-NW-aspects, likely deeper layers that…

 
Date2021-01-22
LocationHaines
ObserverAnonymous
AvalancheN

General Observations

Saksaia Glacier area. Dug a pit at 5200 feet south west aspect on a 38 degree slope. Thin breakable temperature crust 30 cm’s down that popped on a moderate SST. ECTX. Skied steep terrain in the sun with powder surface conditions. HS was 185 cms. 

 
Date2021-01-21
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Natural D2-3 on North aspect.  Around 5500’.  Large cornice above crown, could have been trigger.

 
Date2021-01-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: From the 7-mile saddle trailhead, snow line was at 1000' then crusty and punchy until 1,500'. Dug a pit at 2200' and found MLK day crust down 35cm ECTN results. There is so much new snow, blown around. Depending on the redistribution some slopes are actually steeper, while others are less steep.  Cornices…

 
Date2021-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverIsaac Deuling
AvalancheN

General Observations

Warm morning, -1 C at 35 mile at 0800hrs. Broke the trail into Flower, the sled necks weren’t too far behind once I got to the top. Naturals up to size 2 on all aspects below tree line. Did not see any activity above tree line. Probed 335 cm’s at 780M elevation. By 1300hrs the…

 
Date2021-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Clear and calm winds.  27F.  Dug pit on East aspect, 30 degree slope at 2500’.  Total snow depth 11’. ECTX.  Did find a 1cm rain crust down 12” and the 1/1 SH down 4’.  The SH was rounding but did snap off broken when pulled on block after the test.  SH starting to grow with…

 
Date2021-01-19
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

SW aspect.  Around 1500’.  This is a repeat offender.  Notice glide as well.  Starting to notice a trend on the lower elevation south aspects.

 
Date2021-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Multiple naturals on SW aspect.  Around 2500’. Likely wind loaded and possibly failed on a rain crust.  Notice they went on the steeper terrain.

 
Date2021-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitonal Zone: 2800'/E-aspect/Fog to 2000' then clear/Light N-wind/30F/HS 280cm. With the probe 145cm down felt what I would guess is the New Years interface. No significant layers in the top 100cm of snow in that spot at 2800'. Above treeline isolated pockets of wind effect, though no results on test slopes. The sun felt warm…

 
Date2021-01-18
LocationHaines
ObserverIsaac Deuling
AvalancheN

General Observations

Loose wet avalanche D3 just past mile post 21 heading north on the Haines Hwy.  I had observed this path on Dec 9th 2020 while flying the valley looking for significant avalanches. In the arial photo (attached) you can see the Dec 9th avalanche almost hit the highway. DOT was alerted.  This recent D3 hit…

 
Date2021-01-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Below 1,000′ HS 180cm at 38-mile temps 32F calm snow in the afternoon. Skinned around in the forest and packed heavy snow down on a road to ski. Surface was saturated with round below down 60cm. Some shedding from the trees, but didn’t see roller ball activity. Anywhere steep and open enough to…

 
Date2021-01-13
LocationHaines
ObserverAnonymous
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 2400' NE aspect Flower Mtn. 50-60cm new snow. Rain crust down 50-60cm. 1-step hardness difference below rain crust. ECTX no results. HS 280cm.

 
Date2021-01-09
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed two D2 glide avalanches and several glide cracks on steep south facing slopes above 33-mile area. Elevation near 2000ft. See photo.

 
Date2021-01-05
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Recent natural avalanche viewed from town on NW aspect across the Lynn Canal. Bottom line: Destructive potential, enough to bury, injure or kill a person/break a few trees and relative to the path the slide covers a small portion of a big path. Slab was likely recent storm snow over a persistent weak layer bed…

 
Date2021-01-03
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Douthit
AvalancheN

General Observations

Great snow in the trees! Zipper crusts observed above tree line on Piedad, and even more crust around Mumfords (observed 12/30.) Curious how this next cycle is going to bond to this candy coating.

 
Date2021-01-03
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Observed three small natural soft slab avalanches on NE and E aspects near 1500ft, which were recently cross loaded from NW winds. All were D2R2, about 30cm deep and on steep convexities. Something to keep in mind as this kind of cross-loaded terrain is very tempting to ski, but the weather has remained…

 
Date2021-01-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Cleared rime ice off from anemometer of the Ripinsky weather station at 2,600’. Low-vis and calm winds. Less than 1cm surface crust was noticeable above 1,500’. Easy to breakthrough, with soft fast recycled powder underneath. Small point release in the forest running over denser old snow. Good to be thinking about that “old snow” bed…

 
Date2021-01-02
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sled day out to Tsirku/Takhin confluence.  The surface hoar distribution/size was less evident at lower elevations at locations we rode.

 
Date2020-12-31
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Happy New Year’s!  Let play safe and smart this year. Cheers 

 
Date2020-12-31
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 1cm melt-freeze crust that formed at the tail end of the 12/29 storm. You could break through it easily and it was noticeable between 1,500' - 3,000'. On top of the crust were 1-2mm surface hoar crystals. Below the breakable crust was 10-15cm of soft snow that got progressively firmer further down. Found…

 
Date2020-12-30
LocationHaines
ObserverTravis Kukull
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied Mumfords yesterday. Boot packed up 500 feet Then skinned up to 2700 feet just below the tree line. There is over 8 feet of snow up there but a solid skiable pack. We dug a pit and the ECT test did not propagate. The snow was slow going but fun. Beautiful day with a…

 
Date2020-12-30
LocationHaines
ObserverChorus Bishop
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied Mumfords area today, stayed below treeline.  Thin clouds/broken skies all day.  Little to no wind.   Light crust at the snow surface, soft snow beneath.  Was a bit tricky making turns. Dug a quick pit before descending ~1 meter deep.  ECT did not propagate.  Possible weak interface ~20cm down.  Layers beneath new snow seemed…

 
Date2020-12-30
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sled day up on flower/transitional zone.  Light winds, 25F and clear skies. Noted surface hoar.  No signs of instability.  Dug pit 4k, S aspects.  Still poor structure but no results 

 
Date2020-12-27
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

No observed signs of instability, just wet boots. A good ol fashion suffer fest is always good for the soul. Cheers

 
Date2020-12-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2300'/SW-aspect/calm/broken to overcast/22F. Found soft turns below 7-mile saddle with a few considerations 1) identifying terrain traps 2) debating alders, as trigger points or anchors and 3) poor structure vs. fair stability. Found the 12/6 melt-freeze crust at elevations above 1,500' down 30-45cm. No obvious signs of instability, except propagating test results on…

 
Date2020-12-26
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Took a few photos of coverage out the road towards the Canadian border. Looked at some old crown lines on SW aspect below 1500'. Near the road HS 175cm, boot pen 75cm and ski pen 20cm. Powdery unconsolidated snow over a melt-freeze crust.

 
Date2020-12-24
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Field day with the HAC crew at Mumfords.  View snow pits and recent forecast on the HAC website for details.

 
Date2020-12-24
LocationHaines
ObserverIke
AvalancheN

General Observations

This morning I took a drive up the highway from my home at 35 mile. I had good look at the Jarvis Glacier, Mt McDonell, Glacier Creek/Saksia Glacier, Porcupine Creek valley, Four Winds, North end of Takshanuk and the front range of Tsirku/Tahkin Ridge. My focus was to identify any large slab avalanches. I did…

 
Date2020-12-22
LocationHaines
ObserverAlpinejillson
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ripinsky 2400’. South facing slope angle 25 degrees. Packed powder with very evident week layer 80 cm down above the 12/6 melt freeze crust. Another layer 20 cm down failed on column test but was difficult to find in the pack. No obvious cracking or whumping under ski. Will be interesting to see what this…

 
Date2020-12-21
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone (Flower ridge). Clear skies and  light winds out N/NW.  Cooler temps than yesterday ( mid 20sF). Dried out upper pack to more pow than wet pow( 1000’-3500’).  Sled slope tests and lack of natural avalanches did not show signs of instability in areas touched(low angle and away from terrain traps)

 
Date2020-12-20
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone/Flower tree-line.  2’ + new snow. Temps 31F, cloudy and calm wind. Observed collapse and shooting cracks.  Hand pit found weak layer ( Surface facets from cold/clear period before storm) under new snow. Avoided avalanche terrain and still enjoyed double overhead pow turns.  Sleds conveniently produce pow turns on flat terrain.

 
Date2020-12-20
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak zone at 2,500'. Very tough trailbreaking through 90cm of new pow, settling to 80cm. Almost too deep to ski. Scary snowpack with widespread whumping and collapsing 1-2" at a time. Layer failing was 75cm deep...mixed forms/facets above the 12/6 melt-freeze crust. Made us nervous and we avoided steep openings in the trees. A few…

 
Date2020-12-18
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Avalanche hazard increased through the day as the south wind picked up in the afternoon blowing snow around building storm slabs. Red flag conditions included a localized whumph 1-2' down below the weakening supportable crust and small shooting cracks within the 14" of new storm snow. Not stoked about all the melt-freeze layers…

 
Date2020-12-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: A supportable melt-freeze crust with fresh deposits on top. Below the crusts, pockets of soft snow, the recipe for a slab avalanche strong over weak layering. The upper crust is supportive, yes, however weak layers are still close enough to the the snow's surface (about 1-2 feet down), that they are within the…

 
Date2020-12-15
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone/Flower ridge.  Clear skies and light winds out of NW. Temp low 20's.  Some wind touched surface snow just on apex of Flower Ridge.  Very tasty powder overall.  

 
Date2020-12-13
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2600’/calm/clear/cold. Widespread 3-4mm surface hoar and near-surface facets at the top of the snowpack are cause for concern with any future load. Located above 1500' on protected lee-ward slopes, once buried these stout surface forms will become persistent weak layers (PWL's) in the snowpack. If they blow away before the next storm, they…

 
Date2020-12-11
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone.  Few clouds to clear skies. 25F and calm winds.  2800’/North/20 degree slope.  Noteworthy- 1-2mm Surface Hoar on top of 8-16” of moderate dry power.  Pit showed poor structure, low energy and high strength.  ECTN22.  Layers of concern - 2 melt freeze layers surrounded by facets in top 3’.  1’ of moist melt forms(from…

 
Date2020-12-10
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Natural slab avalanche D2.  South facing.  Roughly 1,500'.  34 mile above big boulder crk.  Estimated depth 1-3' and triggered during last rain event 12/5-6/2020.  

 
Date2020-12-03
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Clouds broke for a couple hrs Thursday am.  Obs from drive 26-border along HNS hwy (Transitional zone).  Observed numerous natural avalanches.  Note, accuracy is low due to new snow covering crowns.  Assumed most avalanches release during "atmospheric river" event peak 12/1.  Sizes ranged R2-R4 and  D2-D4.  Notable naturals -  D4 SE face into start of…

 
Date2020-11-30
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2600'/E-aspect/moderate S-wind/low-vis/27F/1-2' of wind packed deposits above 1500'. Observed visible red flag cracks on steep terrain features. Avoided any avalanche slopes prone to wind slab and storm slab. Went to de-rime the Ripinsky wx station before the mega-storm arrived tonight. Had to make a series of risk-assessments about the incoming weather and being…

 
Date2020-11-22
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2000'/NW-aspect/calm/26F/6" of new snow. Dug a test pit near the Ripinsky main trail. Sensitive test results were in the recent storm snow. Harder test results deeper down indicate some degree of strengthening.  The 11/13 melt-freeze crust was present and visible but not reactive in tests at this location. A stiffer slab above this…

 
Date2020-11-22
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Douthit
AvalancheN

General Observations

Things are filling in! The crust from 11/8 and 11/13 are still there. Hand pit I dug at our most open and steepest point (2000’ ish and N, NE aspect) the fresh snow on top of the 11/13 layer had moderate energy and was not bonded well.

 
Date2020-11-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJosh
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone:Old Faithful - Skinned/ bushwhacked from log deck to tree line. 45 cm wind buffed soft slab with 12 cm dry powder on top. Early formations of depth hoar at ground. Fun turns in open willow glades. Needs 2 more feet to bury/ bend willows.

 
Date2020-11-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Observed 1-3mm surface hoar in sheltered areas below treeline around 2500'. Clear calm cold weather 11/15 - 11/16 was likely when it grew before a strong north wind picked up 11/17. Near and above treeline conditions were wind packed powder over a thin melt freeze crust. Sasturgi had formed on scoured slopes and…

 
Date2020-11-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500' NE-aspect/calm/23F/4" of light density snow above 11/13 melt-freeze crust. A second melt-freeze crust 12" down from early last week failed but did not propagate at ECTN14. Keep an eye out for these melt-freeze crusts as a potential weak layer with any future loading events.  

 
Date2020-11-14
LocationHaines
ObserverAlpinejillson
AvalancheN

General Observations

NE aspect of Ripinski meadows. Partly cloudy and slightly below freezing. Snow depth was 65 cm to heather. Weak rain crust on top. Very thin ice layer 10 cm down. More substantial layer 25 cm down. Failed on 4th blow from straight arm but did not shear. Overall the snow seemed very well bonded. Skied…

 
Date2020-11-13
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Mumfords: N aspect at 2300ft. 30F with a light freezing mist falling. Calm winds. New storm snow about 6" deep was wet and sticky, on top of settled base from last storm. We did not see any danger signs on slopes up to 32-ish degrees in angle. New snow seemed to be sticking well to…

 
Date2020-11-07
LocationHaines
ObserverBeth Douthit
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sunny beautiful day for taking the skis for a walk! Started skinning pretty low, ~800ft, with good conditions for a nice accent. Observed some pockets of surface hoar and lots of wind effect. Enjoyed some fun turns on a meadow bump and on the grassy lumps. Walked down once we got to tree line due…

 
Date2020-11-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500' SE aspect/Calm/28-30F/1-2' of total snow. 3-5" from 11/4 on top of the 12-15" from 11/1 to the ground. Some wind effect snow at the surface had a punchy feel. Visible settlement around vegetation. 1mm surface hoar in protected areas.    

 
Date2020-11-07
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak zone (Mumford's) at 2,300ft: Settled snowpack is 2ft deep. Makes a great base with excellent ski quality in most areas above 1,100ft. Was able to ski all the way to the road with some tenacity. 

 
Date2020-10-25
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: above 2,500' light snow 1-2"/light SW wind/temps 27F. Old snow was 1-2mm weak sugary facets which may become a persistent weak layer once buried under new snow. Helpful to look at the underlying terrain features to identify where/how an avalanche problem could form.   Bottom Line: Enough snow to ride = enough snow…

 
Date2020-09-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: Above 3,500' 6-8" of new snow on Flower Mountain today at noon. Continued heavy precipitation and wind at sea-level may indicate winter has begun in the mountains. Prior snow-level was closer to 5,000'.

 
Date2020-04-18
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

A few examples of the wet loose daytime avalanche cycle that happened this past week. These were natural avalanches on all aspects at all elevations caused by solar radiation and above freezing temperatures. Did not observe any slides that stepped down to old dormant layers. With above freezing nighttime temperatures and rain on snow it…

 
Date2020-04-10
LocationHaines
ObserverChorus Bishop
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Area30-45cm dense storm snow above treeline.  5-10cm light powder on top of that.Midday temperatures above treeline ~30F, sunny all day, light winds.Numerous recent D2-3's, all aspects.Recent rollerballs and wet sluffs on steep slopes, around rocks, all aspects, but no such activity today.Recent natural cornice failure NW aspect (photo), triggered slab.Snow pit, 2500', NE aspect, slope 27deg.  ECTN25 45cm down on 2cm of weak ~3mm grains.  PST45/60End 45cm down (same weak layer).

 
Date04/02/2020
LocationHaines
ObserverHaines Avalanche Center
AvalancheN

General Observations

Natural wind slab avalanche a few days old at 2,600' NW aspect 35-40 degree slope. Depth estimated up to 1' width 150' and ran 400'. At and above treeline on nearly all aspects was some evidence of wind effect. What's interesting is that this slide from earlier this week was on a windward slope, think cross loading. Look…

 
Date2020-03-28
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500'/N-aspect/overcast/15F/light winds. Temperatures were cold and surface snow is faceting! Light 2" of fresh deposits with a non-persistent interface down 8-10" extended column test result ECTN18. Observed wind slab at treeline with a few shear results in the upper 1-2' of snowpack. Wind slab was easiest to identify when stepping from powder onto a…

 
Date2020-03-24
LocationHaines
ObserverChorus Bishop
AvalancheN

General Observations

Toured Mumford's today, N aspect.  Early afternoon temps 30F @ 3100',  Mostly clear sky all day, light breeze form the South.  Stiff, wind packed snow surface in areas exposed to N wind.1-2cm of light, sparkly, sugary, grains <1mm at surface (facets?), sitting on weak 1cm crust, in sheltered areas at lower elevations.Evidence of numerous loose slides/point releases around exposed cliffs/rocks on steep W-SW slopes across the canal.

 
Date2020-03-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 4500'/NW-aspect/broken sky/25F/light winds. Wind scoured at ridgelines with soft snow lower down on north-west aspects. Faceted surface snow had ski pen 20-30cm which made for good turns. Localized wind slab is intermixed with surface facets in areas where either the facetings has not broken the slab down, or new wind slab has been…

 
Date2020-03-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Above treeline temps 15F at night and 32F during the day, sunny and clear. North aspects had D1-D2 soft slab avalanches observed on steep wind loaded pockets of terrain down 10-40cm photo #1 and #3. South aspect observed D2 slide that likely ran on a mix of crusts and facets photo #2, as well there…

 
Date2020-03-11
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3600'/N-aspect/sunny clear sky/5F/moderate NW winds. Toured at a variety of aspects and elevations. South aspects below treeline had a foot of protected powder. At treeline and above treeline rime and wind drifted snow.North aspects above treeline had wind packed powder. At and below treeline 5" windslab was reactive near steep convexities and roll-overs that failed on preserved stellar…

 
Date2020-03-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: 2300'/SW aspect/overcast sky/23F/calm. Found a mix of pencil hard wind slab with pockets of soft deposits. Variable conditions overall. The best riding was trees below 2000' to the road. Poked around in the snow at a few different aspects and elevations. Found surface layers to be sensitive for triggering, but no immediate signs of instability. In an isolated…

 
Date2020-02-29
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied up 7-mile saddle and Chilly ridge, and dropped north into bowl towards Lutak. Snow quality was breakable crust over powder in most places (great on a snowboard, terrible on skis). Tested several slopes and aspects, mellow at first, stepping up to steeper slopes. Started out digging a pit on South aspect at about 2000ft,…

 
Date2020-02-29
LocationHaines
ObserverIsaac Deuling
AvalancheN

General Observations

The goal was to ski East Mahogany today. The fading light prevented us from getting into the run so we turned around got back on the sleds and enjoyed some deep overhead sled turns. Moderate winds from the SE in the last 24 hrs did not do as much damage as expected. There's not too many…

 
Date2020-02-25
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ski tour at 6 mile/girlfriend hills.  Dug a pit at 2000' W/NW at knob where you drop in.  Found 2 layers of concern.  Buried surface hoar down 55cm( little less than 2') from surface.  ECTP 13 and PST 40/100 End.  Bottom line...YES, it failed and propagated with moderate force.  Other layer was down 155cm (5') crust/facet.  ECTX…

 
Date2020-02-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2600'/E/obscured sky/26F/S-wind moderate-strong. 16" of dense packed powder. Heavy riming and surface winds. Storm snow was cracking around trees with some mico-slabs on test slopes. Avoided any steep convexities and terrain traps.  Winds from the south have loaded some unusual aspects and features. 

 
Date2020-02-13
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: 2000'/SW/sunny clear sky/20F/N-wind light-moderate. 8" of unconsolidated snow near the road. No surface rain or melt-freeze crusts observed. At treeline localized wind effect snow. Above treeline evidence of wind loading and cross loading. Didn't see any recent avalanche activity. No glaring signs of instability. Didn't perform any stability tests. Still found the old snow interface over…

 
Date2020-02-08
LocationHaines
ObserverAvalanche Level 1 Rec Haines
AvalancheN

General Observations

Red Flags: Active wind loading and visible transport. Light to moderate snowfall. Location: Radio Tower Muskeg in the Lutak Zone at 1400' Northeast-aspect 15 degree slope.Weather: Obscured sky, East winds moderate gusting strong, Temps 26 Fahrenheit, Light snow. Snow Quality: Ski quality was not so good, Wet refrozen snow with some breakable surface crust. Layers: 145 centimeters total, Melt-freeze crust down 10…

 
Date2020-02-05
LocationHaines
ObserverClifton Miller
AvalancheN

General Observations

Braved the weather up Lutak on Wednesday. Rain, Warming, Wind, Cracks, Heavy wet snow were all RED FLAGS. Ended up turning around due to poor snow and weather conditions. Snow pack is upside down with cohesive wet slab on top of the cold facets and melt freeze from last week. Most of the hike up was in the rain with snow falling out…

 
Date2020-01-31
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: Hard wind slab above treeline with high spatial variability and a deep persistent weak layers below treeline. Went on a pit digging mission and targeted three different locations 1) Three Guardsmen Wx station 3100' N-aspect 2) Canadian Hill 3100' E-aspect and 3) 3-mile 1700' SW-aspect. 1) Notable advanced 2-3mm depth hoar 50-60cm down. The cold temperature…

 
Date2020-01-30
LocationHaines
ObserverBartek Pieciul
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone. 39 mile Haines highway, US side. Calm, overcast, no precip. tm around freezing.  We noticed around 1 foot deep crown (hard slab avalanche) at elev. 1000 feet, south facing, steeper than 35 degree slope. we dig a pit at elevation 700 feet where the slop was 25 degree steep.(the same slope).  snowpack 180cmm…

 
Date2020-01-23
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Went out for a rip on the sleds around treeline (2300-2500') on flower ridge.  Calm winds and moderate snow fall.  Temps around 25 F and blower pow in sheltered spots.    No red flags in just that small zone and pit, ECTX showed no layers of concern.  Again, in just that small zone.  Sure there is a…

 
Date2020-01-21
LocationHaines
ObserverJosh Zahnow
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional zone: Observed a very reactive wide spread 2 cm thick rain crust suspended over 3 cm of loose sugary facets. This thin rain crust is barely strong enough to support the last few days of +/- 30 cm of storm snow as it is resting on the faceted layer with poor bond interface with the deeper consolidated…

 
Date01/19/2020
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500'/N-aspect/Snowfall 1-2" per hour/Calm/Temps 22F. Widespread soft slab crown lines within the top 14" of new storm snow in steep open terrain. Avoided terrain traps, run out zones and any steep open convex 30+ degree slopes with the potential to slide. Under storm deposits was weak old surface snow and areas of wind slab over a 4-5cm crust.…

 
Date2020-01-17
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observations from 3000ft in the Jones Gap area: Beautiful day out in the cold wintery world. Ski quality moderately good in protected pockets in the basin. Snowpack: Midpack is rock-hard refrozen in most areas, but we were able to find some higher slopes near 3000ft where that midpack bridge was weak, facetted, and prone to punching through to facets…

 
Date2020-01-15
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Ripinsky Meadow near main trail at 2500'/E-aspect/Clear/NW Winds/Light-Gusts-Moderate/Temps 0F! Most noteable are the 15cm!! of loose sugary near-surface facets (NSF) over a stout 4cm knife hard melt-freeze crust. As for an avalanche recipe we have a weak layer, a rock hard bed surface and are missing a slab over top. Saw visible wind transport near…

 
Date2020-01-03
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed several D2-D3 natural slides in the Flower mountain / Glacier Creek area on steep south aspects around 4500ft. Slides appeared to be running on same deep crust layer as recent slides noted in the Chilkat Pass. They probably ran near the end of the last major snowfall/warming event at the end of December.

 
Date2020-01-01
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheY

General Observations

Avalanche crown profile at Chuck Creek. Some weak layers of public interest that may be widespread at this elevation in the Pass area: 1) Depth hoar at the ground. 2) Facets above the lower rain crust (about 80cm down but depth depends on wind loading) 3) Buried surface hoar about 15cm deep (less widespread, but still present in…

 
Date2019-12-28
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied Mumfords today. Lots of snow up there and great coverage above 1200ft. New storm snow from the last 2 days was about 2-3feet deep and well bonded, with signs of settlement (cracks around trees). There was a breakable rain crust / wind crust about 5cm thick at the top of the snowpack that made skiing slightly challenging.…

 
Date2019-12-21
LocationHaines
ObserverBrad Halt
AvalancheN

General Observations

We skied the north-NE side of Old Faithful. 30cm of new snow had fallen about 36 hours prior and we were the first ones up since. Simple pit some 200 meters above treeline showed relatively strong bonding within new layers and travel did not yield any red flags. Descended from the small tower at ridgetop. About…

 
Date2019-12-07
LocationHaines
ObserverClifton Miller
AvalancheN

General Observations

Nadahini Left from Green Shack. High clouds, some low visibility, but mostly good lighting for making turns with great views. About 10-15 knts south wind, some blowing snow above the willows. Nice and calm in the brush. Plenty cold all day, no real snow fall, but accumulation/scour from blowing snow. Wind Slab. Snow depth was thin. Great snow for turns, wind scoured on the…

 
Date2019-12-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2500'/N-aspect/25F/light snow/calm/overcast. No glaring signs of instability. 70cm total snow depth with a micro crust at 65cm and thicker melt-freeze crust at 40cm. Basal facets were saturated and frozen. Overall a moist rounding fairly supportive snowpack. Stability test were ECTN15 down 40cm with no propagation. 

 
Date2019-12-06
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied Ripinksy today, then back down the Skyline trail. 60-90 of snowpack up above 2000ft, consisting of two soft layers (old snow from last week with 50-60cm of new pow on top). Skiing was good above 2000ft. Some rime crust and a little whumphing / settling in the new snow. It was a whiteout so we…

 
Date2019-11-30
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Drove through the Haines Pass this evening around 8pm. Not snowing north of the summit, no new snow at Nadahini. From the summit southward it was snowing lightly, becoming moderate-heavy snowfall near 5-mile creek / customs. Southeast winds were moderate-strong above 3000ft with observed blowing / drifting snow. Wind became calm / light NW as I descended into…

 
Date2019-11-27
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sled/ski mission up at Nadahini.  Weather was clear and cold.  Winds calm mid day then picked up out of N/NW with active snow loading.  Variable surface conditions and snow depths.  No alarming signs of instability on the low angle terrain we used.  Very enjoyble and nice to get out.

 
Date2019-11-24
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass Zone: Observed a recent natural avalanche below a cornice from the road at 5500’ W-aspect ran to ~4700'. Leeward slopes have formed wind slab and cornices due to the prevailing south winds. Partly cloudy with temps 15-20F. Moderate S-wind was enough to fill in tracks during the day and build surface slab that presented…

 
Date2019-11-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass Zone: 4,500' NE-aspect/28F/S-wind/fog/snowing lightly. Snow depth was 75cm with 15cm of new storm snow and 40cm observed storm total. The new storm load fully propagated in an extended column test at ECTP17  down 40cm which means touchy conditions in steep open terrain above 30 degrees. Evidence of wind loading from southerly winds on north aspects. Precip has…

 
Date2019-11-05
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Aerial recon on 11/5 found good snow coverage in the Transitional Zone above treeline. Recent avalanche activity from Monday 11/4 storm included sporadic D2 soft slabs, roughly 30cm deep, running on the new/old snow interface, on a variety of aspects including NW and SE. Crown lines were mostly around 5000ft, with slope angles 35-40 degrees.

 
Date2019-10-20
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sunday 10/20: coverage and skiing are great on Nadahini / Twin Sisters above the brushline. You WILL hit a few rocks though, so take it easy and wear a helmet. The snow has settled into a dense base, with depths of 30-60cm in the Nadahini area. Other areas of the pass had much less snow, less than 30cm.If you venture…

 
Date2019-10-13
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Haines Pass Zone:  At the green shack sunny and clear, 29F, light winds, HS40cm with 20cm of supportable crust to the ground. Above 4,500ft  20-70cm of lightly wind blown sastrugi pow. At 5,500ft E-SE aspect HS110cm 1F rounds down to 5cm K re-froze facets. No stability tests were performed. Shallower snowpack near ridgelines and some…

 
Date2019-04-28
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Did some field work at the Ripinksy weather station, and went on to ski a few laps in the Ripinsky NE bowl near 2600ft. Temperature near +10C. Snow depths around 1.5 - 2m. Top 60-90cm of snow was newly isothermal, with a harder wet layer in the top 30cm that was actively whumphing and collapsing onto softer wet layers…

 
Date2019-03-28
LocationHaines
ObserverThom Ely
AvalancheN

General Observations

Pit dig on Nadahini 33 degree north facing slope at 1646 meters. 105 cm pit face, snow depth to 285 cm, 80 cm deep large crystal facet layer which broke away while preparing column. Wind slab layer at 25 cm which also separated easily. Lots of settling and crack propagation on approach to slope, wind…

 
Date2019-03-28
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 6000' NE-aspect on 40-degree slope ECTN results (no propagation) down 25cm and 45cm, snow felt contiguous above 5000' with melt-freeze below. Solar aspects were heating rapidly so time & place are increasingly important factors to consider in the mountains now. S-SE-aspects at 3500'-4000' were spitting rocks downslope as early as 8am and staying isothermal until 8pm. E-aspects…

 
Date2019-03-22
LocationHaines
ObserverJason Wohaa
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: Rain line is between 4500 and 5000 ft. Wet loose all aspects and elevations. Some appear to be stepping down. Likely to wind crust below new snow. At 6000 feet about 5 inches new. Below 4000 feet snow is water saturated and isothermal to ground. Still good snow up high. 

 
Date2019-03-18
LocationHaines
ObserverCharlie Stewart
AvalancheN

General Observations

Jet Stream woes! Unseasonably warm temps hit the Chilkats starting 3/18 -- field observations on 3/19 revealed an inversion with warm temps (41F @4500') / (48F @5000') and numerous natural avalanches on all aspects at all elevations. Stopped to dig around on East & West aspects in the Flight School area (across the Takhin drainage and West of…

 
Date2019-03-18
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

House Zone: Looking out the window from town at Telemark Ridge (NE-aspect above 1500') there are recent crown lines on almost every 30+ degree convexity. Interesting to see how the fractures overlap, connect and step-down. These photos may serve as exercises for mental mapping avalanche terrain, where pockets of snow could slide out. Natural avalanche activity is…

 
Date2019-03-18
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Took a look at the mountains around town this morning. Elevations between 1500-5000ft had a big avalanche cycle yesterday. Most crowns are around 1m thick and are extensive, filling wide basins. Mostly recent snow coming down I believe, but stepped down to midpack layers in some places. Lots of D3's. Nearly every slope I observed had a large…

 
Date2019-03-15
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Ski tour up from 5 mile creek.  Overcast, light winds out of south.  Temps just below freezing @ 2000'.  Hot pow with ski pen around 15cm.  Pit on West aspect, 30 degree slope.  125cm snow depth.  Very poor structure in top 75cm of pack.  Multiple crust/facet layers under 30 cm of new, moist snow.  No propagation with ECT but…

 
Date2019-03-14
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observations from Mumford's today: sketchy conditions with 30cm of new very wet and heavy snow (think cement) from last night, that is piled up over Sunday's new snow, which overlays a widespread buried facet layer roughly 60cm deep. Lots of whumphing, shooting cracks, and we even triggered a small slab on a test slope in…

 
Date2019-03-12
LocationHaines
ObserverCharlie Stewart
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: The Chilkats received 30 - 50cm new snow above 3500' average HS observed above 4,000' is now between 250 - 300cm with specific wind loaded areas as an exception. This new snow is sitting on top of several near surface facet layers (depending on aspect depth ranges from 30 - 90cm). Snow pack tests…

 
Date2019-03-10
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Lots of new snow in the mountains! At 1000' there is 25cm of new, and at 2000' there is 35cm. Below 1000' there was 5-15cm of new, although with the warming temperatures throughout the day the snow is  melting off. We saw strong S winds and intense blowing snow in unsheltered terrain that…

 
Date2019-03-09
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak zone, north-facing trees today: great snow, great skiing between 2000-3000ft. Snow began accumulating in the afternoon about when we descended for the day. Winds light-moderate and increasing out of the SE. Snowpack was about 30cm of fist-hard facets at the surface, with well bonded but faceted layers and wind slabs/crusts beneath. Expecting the thick surface facet layer…

 
Date2019-03-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Really great snow conditions on shaded NE-W facing terrain where 10-15cm of F hard near surface facets make for fast and easy turns. Below the surface the snowpack is still mostly a mixture of crusts and facets although without a slab on top, we felt comfortable pushing into some steeper terrain. There is a…

 
Date2019-03-06
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Aerial recon on the Transitional zone: avalanche activity from the thaw last week is confined to SE-S-SW aspects, between 2000-5000ft. Most of these wet slides were connected to or below areas of rocks/cliffs. Crown heights were around 30-60cm on average, with some breaking around 1m deep. This is all old activity but indicative of what to…

 
Date2019-03-05
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Low angle solar terrain has crusted over with the cooler temps while steep solar slopes are still running through a diurnal melt-freeze cycle. Shaded terrain unaffected by wind is skiing great with 5-15cm of small near surface facets making travel easy and fast. Went looking for wind slab around treeline and didn't find any evidence…

 
Date2019-03-02
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Above 4,000' evidence of prior warm temps on steep solar S-E aspects with point release and loose slides. NE aspects had evidence of wind loading and textured snow. W aspect above 4,500' had moderate ECT results with no propagation in the upper 20-30cm of the snowpack. N-NW aspects were right-side-up with a mix of wind…

 
Date2019-03-03
LocationHaines
ObserverMike Smith
AvalancheN

General Observations

Also posted on Avalanche Canada: https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/43f41fe8-2c13-43fe-a97e-b0247cc8e806Fast travel conditions on a mix of highly-faceted wind slab, some surviving hard wind slab and unconsolidated facets in areas sheltered from NW wind.Snowpack test results: Site at 1220m, E aspect, 30 degree slope. Sheltered from NW wind.CTM SC down 30cm on slightly rounded SH sz 1-2mm (consistent results in…

 
Date2019-02-24
LocationHaines
ObserverAvalanche Canada
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: X-Post from Avalanche Canada MINhttps://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/8677773c-84d3-4031-b049-9bf9edcc9fd9

 
Date2019-02-24
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Great riding conditions in and out of the trees in Lutak area. Skies clear, winds were light N winds, air temps below freezing and on solar aspects, the sun was having a strong effect. No blowing snow observed, although there was evidence of some light-moderate wind transport along ridgelines and on windward slopes.At 1300',…

 
Date2019-02-22
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 12" of new snow, winds above treeline were moderate gusting strong from the N-NE, visible wind loading on S-SW aspects, building a touchy wind slab and cornices. Travel was good on windward slopes where there was rime and sastrugi to avoid the fresh wind slab. Temperatures stayed in the 5-10F range with strong sunshine…

 
Date2019-02-20
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sled/riding adventure up to East summit(wx station) of Old Faithful.  Pit @ 4500'/ NE/ECTP 22 down 60cm(LOC) on facets above crust. Cross loaded wind slabs board cut 10-15cm on features in riders right of main bowl.Multiple sled slope cuts on convex rolls on East aspect around treeline with no results. 

 
Date2019-02-19
LocationHaines
ObserverRicco Lah
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone Northern aspect had 4-6" of new snow and above 1500' Monday's snow became denser where the wind had affected the snow (wind slab). Every slope above 1500' was whumphing, failing under the new snow/wind slab on a 1/2" soft crust with 4-6" of faceted crud below that down to a hard supportive crust. This…

 
Date2019-02-17
LocationHaines
ObserverTim Thomas
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sled mission to main back bowl of Nadahini.  Broken skies with variable light winds.  Inverted temps well bellow freezing bellow treeline to mid alpine.  32F @ 5300"Pit @ 5300', NE, 20 degree slope.  Layer of concern down 35cm and 55cm.  ECTP(Propagation!) 12  down 35cm on thin crust with facets above.  Buried surface hoar found down 55cm but not reactive…

 
Date2019-02-16
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Transitional Zone: 3,300' E-aspect clear, sunny, air temps <20F, snowpack depth 100cm. Soft faceted snow below and at treeline. A variable mix of wind slab, sun effect snow, sun crust, melt-freeze crust and sastrugi above treeline. Coverage looked wind blasted. Traveling on hard wind slab produced loud isolated collapses. From 3,300' we got a drainage wide settlement…

 
Date2019-02-09
LocationHaines
ObserverDavid Boston Dzenawagis
AvalancheN

General Observations

On Saturday February 9th my friend and I hiked up the north face of Mt Ripinski in the Lutak zone. We Triggered a few loose snow sluffs that were 15 cm’s deep. My friend triggered a deeper 35 cm sluff that didn’t propagate or slab. These sluffs were triggered in chutes that were 35-45 degrees slope angle. R1-D1 is…

 
Date2019-02-10
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: Noticed D1-2 R2 surface wind slab avalanches on steep walls above the glacier SE-E-NE-aspects 5,000-6,000'. Fresh 100' wide pocket a few inches deep ran 800' from 5,800 - 5,000' over a ski track traverse on a 45-degree SE-aspect slope. Looked like it released on an old surface where Wednesday's new snow had drifted by the…

 
Date2019-02-09
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone:  Fields of surface hoar building on sheltered aspects between 1,500-3,000ft, especially in-and-around trees. Between 3,200-3,700 ft on exposed ridgelines experienced wumphing on 18-degree slopes, found an ice crust over faceted snow. Up to 4,600ft on N-aspect, the same hard ice crust held well bonded soft-to-dense powder to the surface.  Areas of cross-loading and surface wind slab were…

 
Date2019-02-08
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Good riding quality above 2000ft in the Ripinsky, Jones Gap, and 3920 / 7-mile saddle areas today. Toured multiple aspects in multiple basins and only found one area of clear red flags: some cracking/sliding of recently wind loaded soft slab in one pocket. As a result, there were more wind loaded areas that we avoided. Backed…

 
Date2019-02-07
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2,600′ S-aspect/air temp 2C/sunny/calm/snowpack depth ~55cm. About 4 inches of new snow on top of a 2 inch Pencil crust with 4F to 1F mostly frozen facets below that. This gave the snowpack a supportive feel in most places, however in isolated areas of the terrain the crust softens and gave way to cracking underfoot, see photo. Plenty of…

 
Date2019-01-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJDRCURRIE
AvalancheY

General Observations

Ob from Canadian MIN:https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/dd3946a3-31ed-42e8-8aad-b29b9e3796e0Precipitation 8cm at 1C Friday PM. Cloudy morning to sunny around noon Saturday. NW wind became extreme in the afternoon. Cold and crystal clear milky way skies overnight. Sunday morning with positive temps in the sun to haze and partial cloud by afternoon.Highly variable. Several natural avalanches on S and E aspects…

 
Date2019-01-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

At Nadahini we found 4-6” of new snow, with evidence of previous moderate N winds building soft wind slabs up to 12” thick. In sheltered terrain below 3000 where surface hoar was preserved we were able to initiate multiple shooting cracks that traveled  as far as 50 feet out. These cracks were failing around 12” down below…

 
Date2019-01-27
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observations from upper West Nadahini glacier area. Calm winds, sunshine, thin high clouds, temperatures in the 20's F. N aspect at  5600ft: New snow about 6" deep sitting over stiff wind slab with moderately weak facets underneath (See pit profile graphic). Surface forms were precip particles/dendrites. Surface snow was low density, loose, not slabby anywhere we…

 
Date2019-01-27
LocationHaines
ObserverJason Eson
AvalancheN

General Observations

Poked around Dick’s creek today.  Very variable snow. Most of new snow had settled into a loose in some places and hard in others slab about 10cm deep.  Did an ECT at 1300M on NW 22 degree slope. Top 10 cm Q3 break 15. 28 made a hollow layer at 70cm settle but not slide…

 
Date2019-01-22
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observations Tuesday 1/22 found good stability on S aspects near W. Nadahini, but widespread areas of small surface hoar forming. 

 
Date2019-01-22
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Aerial survey found areas of low-angle natural wind slab avalanches between 15-30cm thick, on a variety of slopes that were wind loaded or cross-loaded this week, but sheltered enough that NW/N winds couldn't strip off the weak layer underneath. New slides appears to be running on a slick surface hoar layer. Some slides ran relatively far…

 
Date2019-01-20
LocationHaines
ObserverLevel 1 Rec Course Haines
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: 3,500' SE-aspect/air temp -11C/sunny skies/light NW wind/snowpack depth 135cm/boot pen 5cm. Overall hard wind slab with sastrugi mixed in, areas of soft near surface facets, and micro surface wind crusts that broke underfoot. Pit results revealed our layer of most concern: buried facets 46cm down that failed at CT9 SC, CT26 SC, ECTP17, and PST 65/100 End. This possibly…

 
Date2019-01-12
LocationHaines
ObserverBeerdsly Auch
AvalancheN

General Observations

Near Glacier Creek: 1953', S aspect, 35 degree slope. 140cm snowpack depth, cloudy skies, no wind. Three distinct thin rain crust layers observed in top 10cm, rest of snowpack below was solid and did not break under compression tests. Several point-release natural slides were visible at higher elevation (2500'+) and 45 degree+ slope angles. Pit GPS location: N 59 32.134 W…

 
Date2019-01-09
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Spied 2 recent natural slab avalanches across the inlet on Halutu Ridge, estimated to have run in the last 24 hours. Both on SW aspect at ~2500 ft, mid slope. Size 2, looks like wind slab in terrain cross loaded by the North winds. 35-40 degree start zone, roughly 50mx50m slabs.  The snow surface is a mixed bag of facets,…

 
Date2019-01-08
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 2,700' N-aspect air temp -14C sunny skies no wind snowpack 130cm. Three distinct crust layers in the upper snowpack from 1F to P hardness. Facets are sandwiched between these crusts. Results from our pit were ECTP7 down 15cm on a weak faceted layer with another slab supporting it from below. Eventually, that slab also propagated at ECTP23 down 35cm.…

 
Date2019-01-06
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Clear skies, moderate NW winds on ridgetops. Traveled on a large variety of aspects and elevations today. Ski/boot penitration 0-10cm max. Good stability, hard/crusty ski conditions, best between 2000-3000ft. No danger signs, no whumphs, no cracking, little in the way of fresh wind slab, though we could see some building on the highest South-ish aspects. Pole…

 
Date2019-01-04
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: 3,000' NE-aspect air temp -7C overcast moderate NW wind snowpack 108cm. Stout crust from this last storm in the upper 10cm of the snowpack. This supportive layer is difficult to kick into with a slick rime ice surface. Hard failures down 30cm below a 2cm rain crust on CT19&23 SC, ECTN30. Down 98-100cm 4F melt-freeze facets with refrozen…

 
Date2019-01-03
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: 4,300' NE-aspect mostly sunny air temp 10C light SW wind snowpack 100cm. Discovered the facet crust combo 80cm down where a 2cm pencil hard rain crust sits over 5cm of loose 2mm facets. Compression tests were easy with CT9&10 down 80cm sudden collapse fracture characteristics. The crust does the job of supporting the…

 
Date2018-12-29
LocationHaines
ObserverAvalanche Canada Observations
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sat Dec. 29 Pass Zone at Nadahini and Dick Creek:https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/3e022e13-4330-4b17-a905-3b4e759e3ed5https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/1b6592af-507e-45a2-9c6b-d673e74d8a40

 
Date2018-12-28
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Pass Zone around 3 mile: Great snow conditions. 10-15cm of new snow fell yesterday and bonded well with the existing snow surface. As we broke treeline, we found evidence of a past S wind event that deposited thin wind slabs on northerly and westerly aspects. At and below treeline we found a snowpack that got more cohesive with depth…

 
Date2018-12-24
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Observed D3 natural avalanche from the last storm (around 4-5 days old), on cross-loaded west aspect near 4500ft. Ran around 4000 vertical feet through channeled gullies to hit the valley floor. 

 
Date2018-12-23
LocationHaines
ObserverMat Trotter
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lower elevations on the US side were calm, but the rest of the pass was seeing 40-50 kmh winds. Lots of wind slab formation on various aspects. We saw one size 2 or 3 natural, slab avalanche on a west aspect on Three Guardsmen, which looked to have occurred recently. Full ob here:https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/9b12c2f2-eafb-43bd-aebe-d9958ab97a8e

 
Date2018-12-23
LocationHaines
ObserverCHRISTOPHER RITCHIE
AvalancheY

General Observations

See full observation here:https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/9174a8c9-ac5c-4c1e-8cdd-3570fc2b8b96

 
Date2018-12-21
LocationHaines
ObserverErik Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

5-mile creek area: New storm snow is right-side up and appears to be well bonded. As we ventured above treeline however, felt some areas of slabby  wind-affected snow. Also observed notable hollowness/punchy-ness about 1 meter deep, apparently old facets above the old rain crust. Stability felt good in many areas below treeline but we were…

 
Date2018-12-20
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Lutak Zone: Dug a pit for depth 128cm at ~2,400' on NE aspect 30cm of new snow on a thin crust that supports skis, with ski pen 30cm and boot pen 90cm which drops down to another supportive rain crust. Snowpack was overall saturated and rounding. At the ground were hard frozen melt forms. Didn't perform any…

 
Date2018-12-15
LocationHaines
ObserverAndy Hedden
AvalancheN

General Observations

Great snow at Three Guardsman on Saturday. Skied Northwest aspect (facing the highway). Dug hasty pit near the top of the first pitch. 1 meter +/- deep, top 5 cm sheared when isolating the back of the column. The rest of the pack is consolidated till it weakens at the very bottom. No results with…

 
Date2018-12-14
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Windpacked powder boot pen ~70cm and ski pen ~20cm with evidence of wind scouring/loading on N-aspect 3,000-3,7000ft. Snowpack depth varied up to 120cm with new snow between 65-75cm. At 13:30 temps were -11C air, -14C surface, -11C 20cm, calm winds and clear skies. 5cm of depth hoar around rocks and at the bottom of the snowpack,…

 
Date2018-12-01
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Great snow at the pass. Recorded 3 natural slab avalanches on a variety of aspects, although confined to steep cross loaded aspects. Guessing they ran during the precip event on the 26th. In sheltered valleys surface hoar is growing tall, elsewhere the new snow is faceting near the surface. Quick pit revealed some easy shears…

 
Date2018-11-17
LocationHaines
ObserverJonny Bomber
AvalancheN

General Observations

Sunny Bunny zone: Coverage is improving, especially through the willows where skiing was possible both from and to the car. We found surprisingly good snow through most aspects and elevations, mostly made possible by 6-10cm of wind buffed, recycled powder (near surface facets). Snowpack depth ranged from 25-120cm. Deepest snow is found along sheltered north…

 
Date2019-11-23
LocationHaines
ObserverErik_Stevens
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass zone: Sunny Bunny (peak north of Nadahini). Clear skies, calm winds, 14 degrees F. SE aspect at 5400ft. 34-degree slope. HS=85cm. Weakness in the thin surface layers (top 5-10cm) failed easily. Below that, well-bonded mid pack all the way to the ground, consisting of a series of crusts and small-grained rounding facets. Stability…

 
Date2018-11-30
LocationHaines
ObserverJeff_Moskowitz
AvalancheN

General Observations

Chilkat Pass Zone: D1-D2 Loose slides viewed from the road on the SW side of Three Guardsmen at 4,000 - 4,500ft likely storm snow - that ran during the precip event earlier in the week - over cliff bands and un-supported slopes. At 5,500ft on a SE-aspect, HS120cm, temp -16F. Several rain crusts down 20cm,…