Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

The primary concern is the potential to trigger a large avalanche 1-3' deep on a buried weak layer at upper elevations. With quiet weather the past few days the likelihood of triggering an avalanche is decreasing but persistent weak layers can remain sensitive to human triggering for much longer than other types of avalanches. To avoid this problem you can stay on lower angle terrain. 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    At elevations above 2500' the snowpack is harboring buried weak layers that could cause large avalanches. Since it has been a few days since the last wind loading event the likelihood of triggering one of these weak layers is decreasing. However, persistent weak layers are very difficult to predict and the consequences of triggering an avalanche 1-3' deep could be severe. Shallow spots in the snowpack like around rocks are the most likely areas for the weight of a skier to trigger a persistent slab avalanche. If you want to avoid this hazard we recommend sticking to low angle slopes. 

    Winds are expected to pick up this afternoon, so fresh wind slabs 6-12" deep are possible in areas with active wind loading. Due to the strong winds earlier this week, there is likely not much soft snow left on the surface in exposed areas to transport into wind slabs. Other general mountain hazards to look out for include lingering wind slabs in steep terrain and cornices along ridgelines. The overall snow depth is highly variable in the Summit Lake area and travel conditions remain challenging at low elevations.  

Regions covered