PLAN YOUR TRIP
GET THE GEAR
First: Get the gear! All members of a party should have a digital transceiver (beacon), a metal shovel and a probe. Avalanche airbags, a first aid kit and a communication device are also a good idea.
GET THE TRAINING
Second: Get the training. An Avalanche Skills Training course is a great way to learn how to stay safe in avalanche terrain and how to use the tools on this site. AST courses help you to make good decisions based on your group’s acceptable level of risk, knowledge and training.
Now you’re ready to plan your trip. The Trip Planning Toolbox has all of the information that you need
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Yukon regional avalanche forecast: This will take you to the Yukon avalanche forecast page (formerly the Hot Zone Report), which provides coverage specifically for the White Pass region. The forecast provides timely and actionable snowpack information, terrain advice and risk management considerations, which should be part of every user’s approach to pre-trip planning. What are the biggest concerns in the snowpack? Are there persistent weaknesses prevalent on a specific aspect or elevation band? Read it before you go!
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Observations: Avalanche Canada’s Mountain Information Network (MIN) is a great map-based tool to check out others’ recent observations. Where can the good snow be found? What features are best to avoid given current avalanche conditions? Observations submitted to the MIND are crucial to improving the accuracy of the HZR.
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Tech Blog: The avalanche forecast is great, but want to know more? The Avalanche Technicians post their thoughts and observations here every week.
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Weather: The weather plays a huge role in determining avalanche conditions as well as on the fun (or misery) scale of your outing. The YAA has 3 avalanche weather stations out there to help you as well as data from nearby weather stations.
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ATES Maps: If you’ve taken an AST course, you know what this is. ATES maps evaluate the terrain complexity and are used together with the forecast and the Avaluator tool to help you make safe decisions.
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Terrain Atlas: New to the area, or looking to expand your horizons? Check out the terrain atlas.