[MCR] Yukon Conditions

Just got back from 6 days in the Yukon. Mostly doing helicopter based terrain analysis, but some ski testing. Limited formal snowpack obs, but regardless here is a conditions update and a few photos for anyone considering venturing up that way this year:

 

Wheaton Valley, Montana Mtn, Powder Valley, and White Pass areas - Feb 19-22:

Snow cover is quite variable due to typical Yukon winds (mainly SW so far this year) and dryer facetted snowpack leaving windward asps scoured to rock in many places. The snow starts to get more interior (less continental) at White Pass (Log Cabin, Fraser Valley, Summit, Feather area) although still pretty variable due to the wind. Certainly seems to be deeper snowpack than last year in early April when I was there – perhaps averaging 200-300 cm near Summit and Feather area. Other than the typical continental weak basil pack which gets worse the further east you go, only weak layer noted was the surface hoar down 30 cm - quite reactive on Feb 22 at a treeline feature- propagating 25 m away from the ski tips! (photo below). The SH issue seems to be isolated to sheltered areas, and I'm not sure how much it is an issue below treeline - minimal obs at lower elevations. No recent natural avalanches observed, but suspect there may have been some windslabs pull out in the small system with wind that came through Feb 20-21.

 

Tombstone Territorial Park (N. Klondike River, Grizzly Lake, Tombstone River, Hart River, and Robert Service drainages) – Feb 23-24:

More of the same as above, only a little more facetted and rotten. Average of perhaps 100 cm of snow, although this doesn’t mean much due to extreme variability. Some supportive terrain where wind has deposited and packed snow. With smooth ground cover, some slopes quite skiable with only 20 cm wind-packed HS! No recent avalanches observed. Even though snowpack is above threshold most start zones, the load just isn't there yet.

 

Cheers,

Brian Gould

MG

bgould@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Tombstones

 

 

Mt. Monolith

 

Tombstones

 

Tombstones – Mt. Monolith

Powder Valley area

 

Powder Valley area

 

 

North end of Powder Valley area. Sc Size 1 – propagating 25 m wide on surface hoar approx. 30 cm down.

 

_______________________________________________
These observations and opinions are those of the person who submitted them. The 
ACMG and its members take no responsibility for errors, omissions, or lapses in 
continuity. Conditions differ greatly over time and space due to the variable 
nature of mountain weather and terrain. Application of this information 
provides no guarantee of increased safety. Do not use the Mountain Conditions 
Report as the sole factor in planning trips or making decisions in the field.
Please check out http://acmg.ca/mcr for more information.