Seward and Lost Lake

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1.5–2.5

  Buried 1-2 feet deep is a layer of surface hoar that remains a concern for creating surprise avalanches. Chances of triggering a large avalanche on this layer remain high as the winds remain strong and a few more inches of snow falls. This issue is most problematic in areas that were sheltered from winds during the early February dry spell, at elevations above 1500'. It was responsible for several avalanches last week at Turnagain Pass, including one near-miss in this region on Mt. Alice (details here).

  There is a high degree of uncertainty as to what slopes have this layer and what slopes do not. The best bet for now with new snow and wind is to stay away from terrain steep enough to slide until the weather quiets down. Then, it will be a game of what slopes might still avalanche  or not.  that will be tricky.

  

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2

  Another round of strong southeasterly winds and several inches of new snow are on tap for today. That said, we can expect to see another round of reactive wind slabs and pieces of cornice falls in the upper elevations. Wind slabs could be 1 to 2+ feet deep when combined with yesterday's snow/wind, and they could be sitting on top of a snowpack with a known weak layer. This increases the chances of natural and human-triggered avalanches. The most dangerous terrain will be wind loaded slopes in the higher elevations. 

  Loose snow avalanches will be likely if the snow starts to pile up today. Once the sun pokes through then moist sluffs or wet sluffs could be seen.  

  Cornices have been growing with continued winds and new snow. These can fail naturally, and they are easily triggered by the weight of a person. Avoid spending time below them, and give them plenty of space if you are traveling along ridgelines.