Lawinenlagebericht

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

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

Strong SE winds are heavily loading slopes and stressing a weak, faceted snowpack that is already moist and weakening. This is making human-triggered avalanches likely and natural activity likely. Persistent slabs 2’–4’+ deep remain a serious concern and may step down to deeper layers. Wet, heavy snow at lower elevations may also increase avalanche size and make slides run farther. Sticking to low angle slopes and caution travel in avalanche terrain is recommended. 

FRIDAY OUTLOOK: Avalanche danger will rise to High. Strong winds and added moisture will keep building dangerous slabs and further weaken the already wet snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Avalanches may break wide, step down to deeper layers, and run far—avoid avalanche terrain and runout zones.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Forecast Operations:  Last minute change of plans. Our scheduled season is coming to a close with an intense storm, and avalanche danger is going to spike in the next 24 hours. We will issue an additional forecast tomorrow, Friday, May 1.

Hiking on trails below avalanche paths this time of year is dangerous and not recommended.  Avalanches may release into valley bottoms, covering up summer hiking trails. This includes the Byron Glacier Trail and the Trail of Blue Ice in Portage Valley and the Crow Pass Trail in Girdwood Valley. Remember that as long as there are snowy mountains above you, avalanches can come down to snow-free hiking trails.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alle Höhenlagen
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Unlikely
    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. 

    Strong SE winds are loading slopes and stressing a weak, faceted snowpack that is already moist. This makes large avalanches likely. Persistent slabs 2’–4’+ deep may break and step down to deeper layers. These avalanches can be big and destructive, especially on wind-loaded slopes.

    Wet Snow: Much of the snow is already wet, especially at lower elevations. More warmth and moisture will keep weakening the snowpack. Wet loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes and can grow and run far. Wet slab avalanches are also possible as water moves deeper into the snow.

    (4/26/2026)

    Slidepath of very large hiker-triggered avalanche

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong SE winds have formed slabs on some slopes, even with limited snow available for transport. These slabs may be 1’–3’+ deep and could still be sensitive to triggers. You may notice smooth, rounded areas of snow or cracking under your feet. Avoid steep, wind-affected slopes, especially near ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain.

    (4/26/2026)

    Current snowpack structure for the majority of the Chugach State Park

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

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