Lawinenlagebericht

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Human-triggered avalanches 2’–4’+ deep are likely, with a possibility of large natural avalanches. New snow and strong winds are building slabs and stressing weak layers, so avalanches may break wide, step down, and run far—especially where they pick up wet snow at lower elevations. Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes; if the snow gets wet or you sink past your ankles, move to cooler, shaded terrain and plan early starts.

WEDNESDAY OUTLOOK: No new snow is expected, but avalanche danger will stay Considerable. Human-triggered avalanches 2’–4’+ deep are likely. Avalanches may spread across wide areas, break into deeper layers, and travel long distances—especially if they pick up wet snow at lower elevations. Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes; if the snow gets wet or you sink past your ankles, move to cooler, shaded terrain and plan early starts.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Forecast Operations: We have transitioned to our late season forecasting schedule, issuing forecasts Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Our last forecast will be Thursday, April 30th followed by our annual "Spring Tips" on May 1st. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    Strong winds continue across the Chugach State Park, with 3–4" of new snow expected. This will build fresh wind slabs in unusual places, including lower on slopes. These slabs rest on weak snow and could be easy to trigger. A firm, wind-packed surface can let you travel farther onto a slope before it breaks, increasing the chance of being caught mid-slope. Watch for signs of wind loading like rounded pillows, shooting cracks, and stiff, hollow-feeling snow. Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes and the terrain below them.

    (04/25/2026)

    Current snowpack structure for the majority of the Chugach State Park

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    2–3

    Recent Avalanches:  A very large hiker-triggered avalanche on the N side of Peak 3 occurred  on April 25, failing on weak, faceted snow beneath a wind slab, which then entrained wet snow. Multiple very large human-triggered avalanches were reported last weekend, with crowns 1’–5’ deep, including on Peak 3, Flattop, Glen Alps Recreation Area and Peak 2.

    Human-triggered avalanches 2’–4’+ deep are likely, with a possibilty of large natural avalanches. New snow and strong winds are adding stress to weak layers buried in the snowpack, making conditions unpredictable. Avalanches can break wide and run far. Avoid traveling on or below steep slopes, especially in large, connected terrain. Stick to lower-angle routes with simple terrain and low consequences.

    Wet Snow: Temperatures are rising, and reports of wet collapses and people sinking past their ankles show the snowpack is weakening—especially at lower elevations. Wet snow can quickly become unstable and produce wet loose avalanches on steep slopes. If the snow turns wet or you start sinking deeply, move to cooler, shaded terrain. Avoid steep slopes and terrain traps where debris can pile up. Timing matters—plan early starts and get off steep terrain before the snow warms.

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