Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 12/02/2020

Above 2,500ftExtreme

1,500 to 2,500ftExtreme

Below 1,500ftHigh

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Storm Snow:

Given the data in the weather section (below), it should be clear that we are in a major loading event, as precipitation adds stress to layers in the snowpack. We have received all-time record precipitation totals, last 24-hours. Storm slabs will be 60-100cm deep (up to 200cm in some areas), and under a state of constant settlement, adjustment, and avalanching in steep areas. Further heavy precip, rain-on-snow, and further warming will only increase the size of natural avalanches, which are certain to be occurring. Some avalanches could be quite large with this storm. For reference, if we receive as much precip. as expected, that would likely be a 75-100 year storm, as per the National Weather Service. It is not out of the question to see 75-100 year avalanches as well. Avoid all avalanche terrain and lower runout zones!

Likelihood:

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

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Problem 2

Persistent Slab:

In areas above treeline, depth hoar exists at the ground. There are also 2 melt-freeze crusts just above this depth hoar and in the midpack. Any of these crusts can act as a bed surface and a weak interface within the old snow. Heavy new loading above these persistent layers has increased the likelihood of triggering these layers. This will be a problem on all aspects. Be especially cautious of steep, heavily wind-loaded areas above treeline, and unsupported slopes. Convexities, where there is a steep rollover, will be a likely place to trigger a deeper slab that runs to the ground with high consequences. This kind of danger is tricky and can be hard to manage, so a wide safety margin is recommended.

(Photo from Lutak Zone, 11/15, 2500ft, NE aspect)

 

Likelihood:

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

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Avalanche Activity

Please send in any observations of avalanche activity, including estimated depth, width, length, and location/elevation. Photos are great too.

Weather

We are stuck under the atmospheric river. We have received all-time record precipitation totals. 5-9″ inches of water equivalent so far, with 2-3″ more still to come.  Snow levels have risen to 3000-4000ft. This is an ongoing major weather event. Snow totals so far range from 20″ at the Pass to nearly 5 feet on Mt. Ripinksy. Between getting buried and constant power outages, the weather stations are taking a beating and struggling to keep up.

 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
 90″ 40″ / 6.50* 57″ / 8.50*  4,000 strong, SE 0″ / 2.60    *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
 54″ 12″ / 3.00 36″ / 5.00  3,500 strong, SE 0″ / 2.30   *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
 28″ 22″ / 2.75 22″ / 2.75  3,500 strong, SE 0″ / 1.50   *

( *star means meteorological estimate )

Additional Information

It’s time to start thinking avalanche. Dust off your gear and make sure it is fully functional. Put new batteries in your beacons! Do a beacon practice to start the season and keep your skills fresh. If you head into the hills, watch out for avalanche conditions, and be especially careful of rocks and hidden hazards like crevasses beneath the snow. WEAR A HELMET!

Education Video Links:

Alerts

Avoid all avalanche terrain and lower runouts for the next few days. Natural avalanches are certain. Read the full details for more info. Also beware of roof avalanches which can be fatal.

Announcements

We have begun periodic conditions updates for winter 2020/2021. Click the + Full Forecast link below for each zone to read more.