Seward and Lost Lake

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  2–3

  Recent Avalanches: There was avalanche debris on the south side of Marathon Mtn near Lowell Canyon. It is a reminder that traveling under avalanche paths does expose us to risk.

  Our biggest concern is that someone could trigger a large avalanche on a layer of buried surface hoar 2 to 3’ deep that has been responsible for many human triggered avalanches in Turnagain Pass including 4 that occured yesterday on Seattle Ridge. That being said, we only know of the avalanche mentioned above. This may be because less people are getting on to steeper slopes, we are not sure. It is possible that this layer is not as widespread and is more likely to be found on slopes sheltered from the wind. Regardless, we are still recommending people to dial it back. 

  This weak layer has been notorious for showing no signs the slope is dangerous and then it slides. We are seeing people trigger avalanches on slopes with a bunch of tracks on them. Slopes are being triggered where the layer does not appear to exist or does not seem concerning in snow tests. The avalanches we have been seeing are large and in some cases very wide and can be remotely triggered or triggered sympathetically. This means that you may not even be on a steep slope to trigger an avalanche above you. 

  A conservative mindset may change how to think about this unique and dangerous problem. If you try to outsmart this problem there is an increased chance you may trigger a large and highly consequential avalanche. When the snow is dangerous the safest solution is to make terrain choices that get you home safely. The safest option is to avoid traveling on or above steep slopes.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Moderate winds from the east may actively blow snow into fresh wind slabs around 1’ deep. These will be more likely at upper elevations, below ridges, rollovers and in cross loaded gullies. Look out for blowing snow which is an indicator fresh wind slabs are forming. Clues like shooting cracks or snow that becomes stiff underneath you mean you are likely traveling on a wind slab. 

  If the sun has a chance to shine and temperatures feel warm it may be easier to trigger a surface snow avalanche on steep solar aspects. These may release from a point and get larger as they carry more snow down the slope or trigger a small slab avalanche. Seek shadier slopes if you find yourself in the sun and see rollerballs releasing. Worst case scenario, one of these avalanches trigger a large avalanche on a buried weak layer. 

  Other concerns to keep in mind: limit time spent under cornices and give them a lot of room on ridges. Minimize time spent under glide cracks and avoid them if possible because the can release into a large glide avalanche.