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

  Possible

  Größe

  2–3

  Recent Avalanches: There was a fatal avalanche accident on the back side of Seattle Ridge in Warmup Bowl on Saturday in which the rider was caught and buried, and did not survive. We have seen wet loose avalanches releasing on southerly facing slopes around Seward. This includes a wet loose avalanche on Lowell Point that ran almost to sea level on a south facing slope. Earlier last week there was an avalanche on the south side Mt Marathon that deposited 10’ of debris in Lowell Canyon.

  Despite the lack of recent avalanche activity on the Valentine's Day buried surface hoar layer in the Seward and Lost Lake area, our main concern is still human triggered avalanche on this layer 2 to 3' deep. This type of weak layer can often show minimal signs of instability before causing very large avalanches. Based on recent observations we think the weak layer is most concerning in an elevation band between 1500' and 3000'. 

  Unfortunately, assessing this layer with snowpack tests and other observations is difficult and unreliable. So the best way to manage this problem is to either stick to low angle terrain without steep slopes overhead or if you are planning to travel in steep terrain you can be very careful about avoiding slopes with terrain traps below. Terrain features like gullies, cliffs, trees, or abrupt transitions from steep to flat terrain can all act as terrain traps by increasing the potential burial depth if you trigger an avalanche. In general, we recommend a conservative mindset while we are dealing with this potentially dangerous weak layer in the snowpack. 

  

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  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  In addition to the persistent problem, there are a few surface snow issues to keep an eye out for today. Wind slabs that formed 24 to 48 hours ago are expected to be up to 1' deep along ridgelines, cross-loaded gullies, and rollovers at upper elevations, and could still be possible for a person to trigger in isolated areas. 

  The past few days temperatures have been creeping up in the afternoon and it is starting to feel like the beginning of spring meltdown. Wet loose avalanches have been releasing naturally on steep solar aspects (east, south, west) as they heat up in the sun later in the day. These are typically not large enough to bury a person, but in bigger terrain, they can grow large enough to be dangerous and the debris is heavy and difficult to get out of if you are caught.  

  Cornice fall is a normal part of the transition to a spring snowpack and can happen randomly while cornices are heating up in the sun. Try to avoid spending time underneath cornices, especially if they are getting a lot of sun, and give them a wide berth if you are traveling along ridgelines.

  Glide avalanche activity has also been picking up this week as another sign of the gradual transition to a spring snowpack. These large and destructive avalanches release randomly and are best avoided.