Seward and Lost Lake

Lawinenprobleme

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  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1.5–3

  Recent Avalanches: Several large slab avalanches were observed yesterday in the Seward area including one on Mt Alice. While we do not know the specifics it is likely that the buried surface hoar we found in Snug Harbor is the culprit and that natural avalanches have also been released in the Lost Lake area as well. 

  If the storm verifies strong southeast winds and up to a foot of new snow may fall today creating very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural and human triggered avalanches 2 to 3 feet deep will be very likely on a layer of buried surface hoar. This same layer has been responsible for many remotely triggered avalanches in Turnagain Pass above 1500’ which has a similar setup to Lost Lake and Seward. The size of these avalanches may be large enough to run to valley floors like those in the V-Max area. The intensity of this storm in addition to a very concerning snowpack is why traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

  

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  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2

  Strong southeast winds (50+ mph) will be actively loading slopes with touchy wind slabs that may be 3’ deep or more. Be wary of this problem on any wind loaded features steep enough to slide including slopes above you as natural avalanches are very likely. Cornices falling and creating avalanches above you is also a big concern. These wind slabs may be forming over a buried layer of surface hoar mentioned above. Last week a skier triggered an avalanche on Mt Alice which was likely due to a wind slab avalanche failing on a weak layer. Luckily no one was caught. 

  The point is that avalanche conditions today are very dangerous. If you choose to get out in this maelstrom on slopes less than 30 degrees keep your head up as natural avalanches are likely and may run to lower angle slopes. Wind slabs tend to form below “convex” rollovers and in loaded gullies and may produce a whumpfing sound of shooting cracks beneath you. 

  Wet snow avalanches are a concern below 2,000’ but will likely become less of an issue if the rain/snow line lowers in the afternoon. 

  Cornices will likely fall, potentially triggering natural avalanches on slopes above you. Traveling under these is not recommend today.