Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1.5–2.5
Recent Avalanches: It has been 10 days since skier-triggered avalanches were reported on Taylor Pass, Magnum, and the north side of Tincan. These failed on faceted snow buried 1-2' deep. A skier triggered a shallower avalanche on Big Chief six days ago, which was about 4" deep and 50' wide.
Active weather has returned, and avalanche danger is on the rise today. Winds have been increasing since around sunset last night, averaging 10 to 20 mph and still on the rise as of this morning. We are expecting 4 to 6" of new snow in Turnagain Pass and Portage, and up to 6 to 12" in Girdwood during the day. It is likely we will see avalanches failing around a foot deep or deeper at and above treeline. Avalanche size and likelihood will continue to increase through the day, and we may see avalanches failing on deeper weak layers (more on this in Problem 2).
Expect increasing avalanche danger at higher elevations. Fresh wind slabs will be forming near ridgelines, below convex rolls, and in steep gullies. Wind speeds are strong enough that we may see slabs forming further downslope than usual. Be on the lookout for warning signs like shooting cracks, collapsing, and active snow transport, and look for better surface conditions and more stable snow in terrain that is sheltered from the wind.
We may see Wet Loose avalanches at lower elevations that receive rain today. These should be on the smaller side but may still be consequential in areas with terrain traps like trees, rocks, or gullies in avalanche runout zones.
(4/19/2026)
Predicted snowfall totals from 4am Sunday through 4am Monday.
Graphic courtesy of NWS Anchorage.
