Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 2019-02-22

Above 2,500ftHigh

1,500 to 2,500ftConsiderable

Below 1,500ftConsiderable

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Storm Snow:

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Problem 2

Persistent Slab:

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Avalanche Activity

Reports from this weekend found more isolated recent surface slabs (D1-D2) in steep, wind loaded terrain (S-SE-E aspects). Also notable was whumphing in areas of thin snowpack in the alpine areas of the transitional zone, and widespread whumphing Tuesday (2/19) in the Lutak zone.

Over the last two-three weeks, we've had reports of isolated surface wind slab avalanches (D1-D2), both natural and human-triggered, in top-loaded and cross-loaded terrain between 2500-5000ft. Some wind slabs were sliding on low-angle slopes as low as 25 degrees, and appeared to be sliding on a buried surface hoar layer 10-30cm deep. Distribution of these avalanches was limited to wind loaded areas that had been protected from strong N/NW winds.

Weather

After 6 weeks of cold and mostly dry weather (including our least-snowy January on record), we've received 6-18" of new snow in the last week. Friday will bring clearing skies and moderate northwest winds. The weekend looks gorgeous, with decreasing north winds, cool temperatures, and lots of sunshine.

   Snow Depth [in] Last 24-hr Snow/SWE [in] Last 5-days Snow/SWE [in]  Today's Freezing Level [ft]  Today's Winds Next 24-hr Snow/SWE
Mount Ripinsky @ treeline
 65" 12" / 1.00  18" / 1.50   0  mod, NW 0" / 0.00     *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
 44" 7" / 0.50  10" / 0.70   0 mod, NW 0" / 0.00     *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
 27" 5" / 0.30  6" / 0.40   0 mod, NW 0" / 0.00    *

( *star means meteorological estimate )

Additional Information

If you get out riding, please send in an observation!

Do a rescue practice with your partners. Always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, and KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.

Practice good risk management, which means only expose one person at a time to slopes 30 degrees and steeper, make group communication and unanimous decision making a priority, and choose your terrain wisely: eliminating unnecessary exposure and planning out your safe zones and escape routes.