Weather Summary: Mar. 1st - April 9th (Chart):

4-8 inches of low-density fluff fell over mountain areas on the 24th, with another 4-8" of wet, dense snow falling on the 25th.

Cool weather with alternating clouds and sun prevailed to end March.

The next snowfall was April 1st, with 3-8" falling over the mountains.

Monday-Tuesday:
A strong storm will be approaching Monday, with precipitation beginning during the day. Heavy rain/snow will fall Monday night and Tuesday, with snow levels rising up to perhaps 3000ft before dropping to sea level Tuesday night. Snow totals in the alpine could be over 2 feet. Another cooling trend is likely after that.

High-Latitude Maritime Zones: Slopes near Haines

This week's expected heavy new snow will probably lead to some big slides running in steep terrain on the mid-March surface hoar layer. Give this new snow some time to settle down.

We're into spring conditions with diurnal melt-freeze cycles and occasional storms with higher snow levels. You may find a large variety of conditions. Here are some important notes for managing these conditions:

1) Watch out for new storm snow in higher elevations. Fresh slabs will likely be building over an icy/facetted surface layer, and may be tender. If conditions remain cold then the complexity of the snowpack will go up.

2) Don't forget that mid-March surface hoar layer. It was widespread, and buried about 3 weeks ago. Observations recently found Q1 shears on this layer. You're not going to be able to "feel" this weakness in a snowpack that is otherwise rightside-up. You will have to dig around and shear off some layers to see it. While not a likely cause of slides at this point, it may lead to dangerous and unexpected avalanches that propagate widely, especially on cooler, higher, shaded aspects. Look for it.

3) Keep an eye on overnight temperatures. Freeze thaw cycles are great for the snowpack, but watch out for nights where slopes don't get a solid freeze. Sun/warmth the next day will likely lead to a wet slide cycle.

4) If the snow is softening in the sun more than ankle-deep, it is time to get off of that slope. Wet slides will be the main concern as spring continues on and the days are warm.

5) A lot of debris is going to be falling from cliffs and steep areas over the next month. This activity is very dangerous and directly related to sunhit. Don't be below that big ice-covered cliff face when the sun is warming it. Couloirs and chutes tend to funnel this kind of debris.

It has been another great season, and we look forward to tracking the snowpack once again in the late autumn. Please keep sending in observations, and share them publicly if you can.

Transitional Zones: Mountain areas seaward of interior passes

Chilkat Pass Zone:

Disclaimer: Please note that this snowpack/hazard information is not funded or endorsed by any governmental organization. Use the data on this website at your own discretion as part of a thorough evaluation of the avalanche hazard in the field. Remember that conditions vary greatly from place to place and hour to hour, so evaluate the snow you find locally, and compare it to what you read on this website. We are not responsible for how you use the information contained on this site, and assume no liability for its use. Remember, information is no substitute for experience. Get educated in avalanche safety. The information on this website is not sufficient for completely safe backcountry decision making. Use at your own risk.