Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A few inches of new snow fell yesterday accompanied by moderate northerly winds making wind slab avalanches the main concern in Summit Lake today. A person could trigger an avalanche in windblown snow up to 1' deep above 2,500'. Wind slabs are typically found below ridgelines, in cross-loaded gullies and on steep rolls. This can be avoided by choosing low angle slopes or slopes sheltered from the wind. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With a few inches of new snow and a fresh round of northerly wind, there should be some small touchy wind slabs today. Easterly wind is forecast in the 10 to 15 mph range today, which is just barely enough to form new wind slabs. Watch for blowing snow to know that new wind slabs are forming through the day. Feel for firm snow over softer snow to know you have found a wind slab and a shooting crack means the snowpack needs more time to adjust. 

    Dry loose avalanches can still be found in steep terrain and may be growing larger with a few inches of new cold snow. Ensure you have a clear runout in case you get caught up.

    (3/18/2026)

    Shooting cracks on a short wind-loaded feature at about 2800' on Fresno Ridge.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

Regions covered