Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 2019-01-30

Above 2,500ftHigh

1,500 to 2,500ftHigh

Below 1,500ftConsiderable

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme

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

Observations from the last week found areas of D1-D2 natural windslab and storm slab avalanches on specific terrain that was wind loaded or cross-loaded, 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

Moderate to Heavy snow will fall over the mountains today, with snow levels rising up to around 2000ft. Expect 6-12″ of accumulation above this level, with highest amounts in the Lutak zone.

   Snow Depth [in] Last 24-hr Snow/SWE [in] Last 3-days Snow/SWE [in]  Today’s Freezing Level [ft]  Today’s Winds Next 24-hr Snow/SWE
Mount Ripinsky @ treeline
  49″ 0″ / 0.00  7″ / 0.70   0 -> 2000  mod, SE 12″ / 1.00    *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
  44″ 0″ / 0.00  5″ / 0.40   0 -> 2000  mod, SE 9″ / 0.80     *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
 31″ 0″ / 0.00  5″ / 0.30   0 -> 2000  mod, SE 7″ / 0.50   *

( *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.