Lawinenlagebericht

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

The primary concern is triggering a buried weak layer around 1' deep, especially in wind-loaded terrain on northerly aspects and above 2,000'. In these areas, the snowpack is still dry and winter-like despite the calendar date. On southerly aspects, warming from afternoon sunshine may trigger natural wet loose avalanches later in the day. Wind slabs from southwest winds could also be triggerable along ridgelines and convex terrain at upper elevations.

WEDNESDAY AVALANCHE OUTLOOK: A new pulse of moisture arrives early Wednesday morning, bringing 2 to 4" of new snow accompanied by strong southeast winds. This loading will add stress to existing weak layers and has the potential to form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations. The rain/snow line is expected to rise to around 1,500', increasing the chance of wet avalanches at lower elevations. Spring-like conditions will persist at lower elevations while mid-winter structure remains above 2,000'. Cautious terrain selection and conservative decision-making will be essential during this unsettled weather.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Forecast Operations: We have transitioned to our late season forecasting schedule, issuing forecasts Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Our last forecast will be Thursday, April 30th followed by our annual "Spring Tips" on May 1st. 

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 Marathon Jeep Trail, which is a terrain trap for most of the hike. Other trails in this area that can be dangerous right now include the Russian Lakes trail to the Barber Cabin, Crescent Lake, Ptarmigan Lake, and Victor Creek Trail. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1.5–2.5

    Recent Avalanches: A large avalanche was observed on the north aspect of Tri-Tip yesterday, which propagated widely across the slope and ran towards Tenderfoot. A slab avalanche was reported on Wilson Peak a week ago, and several collapses were reported on Hale Bopp.

    The Summit Lake snowpack has received less snowfall with recent storms than Turnagain Pass or Girdwood, so the newer buried weak layers (facets and surface hoar) that are concerning elsewhere are less widespread. However, above 2,000' on northerly aspects, the snowpack remains dry and winter-like. Pockets of unstable snow 1 to 2' deep on buried weak layers may still exist and could produce human-triggered avalanches.

    In addition, the overall snowpack in Summit Lake is relatively thin. Old weak layers near the ground have the potential to become active as the snowpack warms and transitions toward spring conditions. Today’s sunny weather may soften the surface enough to sink into these deeper layers, which is a strong sign to avoid steep terrain.

    Wind Slabs could continue to form today, with elevated winds expected in the Summit Lake area. These slabs could be 6 to 12" deep and are most likely found along ridgelines, in gullies, and on convex rolls above 2,000'. Watch for hollow or punchy snow in these locations and look for shooting cracks as a sign of touchy wind slab conditions.

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun is expected to come back out today, which will bring warming to southern aspects and is likely to cause natural wet loose avalanches. So far this season, these avalanches have remained relatively small and confined to steep southern aspects. Later in the day, small point releases in steep rocky terrain have the potential to entrain more snow and grow larger as they run downhill.

    To manage this problem, watch for signs of surface warming, such as roller balls or snowballing. If you begin sinking more than ankle-deep into wet snow, it is time to move to shadier aspects or higher elevations. Be aware, however, that northerly and shaded slopes still hold the persistent slab problem described above.

    Mostly clear skies over the Summit Lake area today will revive the potential for wet avalanches in the afternoon.

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