Haines Avalanche Center

Forecast Expired - 11/27/2020

Above 2,500ftModerate

1,500 to 2,500ftModerate

Below 1,500ftLow

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Storm Snow:

Residual storm snow from the last few days is still bonding and settling. There are known weak interfaces within the recent storm layers and these will be the most likely depth to trigger an avalanche (15-45cm deep). Be careful to avoid terrain traps where small amounts of snow can pile up deeply. Careful slope tests and stability tests will be useful in judging the strength of these layers. Expect a dramatic rise in avalanche danger on Saturday as new storms come in.

(Click to enlarge graphic to read more…)

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. 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

Weather

Heavy snow last weekend brought a fresh 26″ in the Lutak Zone, 19″ in the Transitional Zone, and 9″ at the Pass.

The storm track looks energetic for the next week, with several strong/wet storms on tap. Saturday-Sunday we expect 18-24″ of new snow, with some rain mixed in below 1000ft. Monday night-Tuesday looks very wet, with multiple feet of new snow above the snowline, which should be near sea level. Stay tuned!

 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
 46″ 0″ / 0.00 3″ / 0.30 0 light, NW 1″ / 0.10    *
Flower Mountain @ treeline
 25″ 0″ / 0.00 2″ / 0.30 0 light, NW 1″ / 0.10    *
Chilkat Pass @ 3,100ft
 7″ 0″ / 0.00 2″ / 0.10 0 light, NW 0″ / 0.00   *

( *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:

Announcements

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