Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The layer of weak snow buried 1 to 3' deep remains a major concern in the Summit Lake zone. This snowpack has been giving clear warning signs, and it is likely a person can trigger a large avalanche today. The layer is widespread at and above treeline, so the safest way to travel is to avoid spending time on or below steep terrain.

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CHUGACH STATE PARK: Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in Chugach State Park. Recent snow and strong easterly wind have formed fresh wind slabs over a weak, faceted snowpack. Human-triggered avalanches are likely in wind-loaded terrain, and avalanches may step down into deeper persistent weak layers, producing large and dangerous slides. See this weekend's CSP outlook or more info.

Join us Friday, Feb. 13, for the annual Snowball fundraiser! This event is a collaboration with the Alaska Avalanche School and is always a fun way to support two nonprofit organizations that provide avalanche information and education in our area. Silent auction, beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and music by Hope Social Club! Tickets and event info at alaskaavalanche.org

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Recent avalanches: We have yet to get a good survey of fresh avalanche activity following Thursday's storm. However, we expect there was a fresh round of natural avalanche activity.

    The snowpack in the Summit Lake zone is weaker and more reactive than most of our other forecast areas. This is because the weak layer of faceted snow that formed in December is shallower here, maiking it easier for the weight of a person to impact the weak layer and trigger an avalanche. The most recent observation from the area noted a very reactive snowpack with multiple collapses, some of which propagating several hundred feet. This is clear, straigthforward feedback that we don't always get with a persistent weak layer, and it indicates the snowpack remains reactive and that it is still likely that a person can trigger a large avalanche.

    The best way to manage this problem is to avoid traveling on or below steep terrain. Be aware that you won't always get those clear warning signs, even though the snowpack is ready to produce a big avalanche. 

    Wind Slabs: Easterly winds are expected to increase slightly during the day, which may build a fresh round of reactive wind slabs at upper elevations. These will likely be small today, but this is one more thing to pay attention to as you travel.

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