Persistent Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible
- Tamaño
- 1–2
On Saturday, a skier triggered an avalanche on Mt. Alice at about 3,000', check out more details here. We know that some weak snow exists (facets and surface hoar) that is now buried above 2,000' by new and wind deposited snow from last week's weather. We don't have enough information from the Seward area to know how widespread this problem is, but similar conditions are causing trouble in Turnagain Pass. This problem can be tricky to assess, but sticking a probe or pole in the snow can tell you if there is firm snow over weak snow. Quick hand pits could also reveal this set up and how touchy it might be. This problem can be spotty in it's distrubution, so assessing each area as you go is important. Jumping or riding on small test slopes can also give good information as to how newer snow is bonding to the snow beneath. Any information you find would be helpful for us if you have a minute to submit an observation or an email to [email protected].
Cornices: There were a few cornice fall triggered slab avalanches over the weekend in Turnagain Pass. Warm temperatures are making these more likely to fail so give them some space and watch for them above if a route takes you beneath.
Glide Avalanches: Glide avalanches are still releasing occasionally (in the northern areas) and they are large and powerful. Try not to get sucked into a route that leads underneath if possible and make a plan that avoids them completely. There aren't as many in the Seward area, but the crack on Marathon could release at anytime.
(2/22/2025)
This is a wider angle view of the skier triggered large wind slab on Mt Alice. No one caught.
Photo: Gareth Leah