Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Another warm storm is creating dangerous avalanche conditions today. Strong east winds are blowing at the ridgetops and another 2 to 3" of rain is forecast with heavy snow above 2,500'.  Avalanche danger is HIGH. We expect natural storm snow avalanches occurring in the upper elevations and wet snow avalanches in mid elevations. These avalanches could be large enough to run down to the bare ground that exists below 1,000'.

*Travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended today.

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Special Announcements

Looking to dust off your rescue skills? Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center is hosting a free avalanche rescue workshop next Saturday, December 14 at the Hatcher Pass – Fishhook (Marmot) Lot. Visit hpavalanche.org for more info. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Another Chugach fall rainstorm blew in last night as the sun set, which is already depositing a heavy load of new water, snow, and wind depending on elevation. Traveling on or under slopes greater than 30 degrees is not recommended. 

    Strong easterly winds are accompanying heavy snowfall above about 2,500'. We expect natural storm slab, wind slab, and dry loose avalanches will be occurring throughout the day today on all aspects. These avalanches could easily be large enough to bury a human. 

    Rough guess at snowfall totals above 2,500' by 6am tomorrow:Girdwood Valley:  8 to 12" yesterday, another 10 to 20" Portage Valley:  12 to 18" yesterday, another 12 to 24" Turnagain Pass:  3 to 4" yesterday, another 6 to 10" Summit lake:  1" yesterday, another 4 to 6" Seward/Lost Lake:  0" yesterday, another 6 to 18" 

    Holiday shopping, nordic skiing or biking might be good options for recreation today.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Rain is falling up to about 2,500' this morning and is forecast to continue throughout the day. Rain on snow creates a soggy snowpack and we expect natural wet avalanches to be occurring today. We should see widespread wet loose avalanches and there's a chance a wet slab could occur. Our recommendation today is to stay out of avalanche terrain to avoid getting into trouble at any elevation. 

    (12/10/2024)

    Rollerballs at the bottom of Common. These are the precurser to wet avalanches.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Daniel and Andrew watched a very large glide avalanche release on the south face of Eddie's Mountain yesterday in Turnagain Pass. The same thing could occur today as the glide cycle continues. Dozens of glides have released with this warm stormy weather and this pattern is not showing signs of slowing down. This is another reason we recommend staying out of avalanche terrain (slopes greater than 30 degrees) and runout zones today.

    (12/10/2024)

    Daniel and Andrew watched this avalanche release across the valley as they were checking out the crown of an older avalanche.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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