The avalanche hazard is HIGH at all elevations. Significant snowfall above 2000 feet and heavy rain at low elevations has created widespread areas of unstable snow. Natural avalanches are likely and may run full path, affecting valley bottoms. TRAVEL IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN IS NOT RECCOMENEDED
Thompson Pass received an estimated 38" of snow in the last 24 hours at DOT camp. Another 3 feet is expected today above 2000 feet, along with strong southerly winds and rising temperatures. Natural avalanches are likely today and may run full path into valley bottoms.
Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, Travel in avalanche terrain is not reccommended.
Photo: NWS
Wet loose avalanches are a secondary concern. Rain on snow will create wet loose natural avalanches. The primary concern is the overloading of the snowpack above 2000' that may create large natural avalanches that have the possibility to run into low elevations.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Observed Avalanche Activity last 72 hours:
A natural avalanche at the Thompson Pass Gap nearly blocked the road, snowslide gulch produced natural activity that got within 500 feet of the valley floor, Clouds prevented further observation.
Forecast Discussion:
The snowpack is undergoing a major change and is under a significant amount of stress. Travel in avalanche terrain is not reccomended.
Thompson pass storm totals over the last week are close to 100 inches. Nearly continous snowfall over the last week is coming to a crescendo as a two stage storm enters into its second phase with strong winds, rising temperatures, and 3 feet of additional snowfall. This new snow is being deposited on weak layers in the snowpack in the mid elevation band, and with the freezing line jumping around erratically, multiple density changes within the storm slab will act as failure planes at upper elevations. Unusual weather has the potential to create unique avalanche patterns.
Additional Information:
A weather and snowpack season history is available by clicking on the Weather History tab that is located above the bottom line statement once you have entered the full forecast.
Season Snowfall Data
Location 24 hour Snowfall Inches- 1/12 24 hour Snow Water Equivalent Inches Height of Snow January Snowfall Inches Season Total Snowfall Valdez 0 N/O 19 10 45 Thompson Pass 38" N/O N/O 108 N/O Nicks 13" N/O 73 46 N/O 46 Mile 1" 1.2" 20 10 N/O
