Summit Lake

Human-triggered avalanches are unlikely today. Isolated pockets of wind-loaded terrain or very steep slopes could produce small avalanches, but in general, conditions are stable. We recommend normal caution for mountain travel. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of a fatal avalanche accident that occurred on March 27. One skier was caught in an avalanche near Lake George and did not survive. We have published a preliminary report in our accident database, and will update that page with more information if it becomes available.Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, and the guides and responders involved. Additional information may be found in this statement from Alaska State Troopers and this article from ADN.

Avalanche conditions are generally stable in the Summit Lake area. It has been over a week since the last report of a human-triggered avalanche, and much longer since the last large (D2 or bigger) human-triggered avalanche.  It is important to remember that low danger does not mean no danger. You could still find a small pocket of unstable snow in a wind-loaded feature or very steep terrain. We recommend normal safe travel protocols like travelling one at a time in avalanche terrain, spotting your partners, and regrouping in safe zones. 

Loose Snow Avalanches remain likely in steep terrain. These will be easy for a person to trigger and can be a concern in consequential terrain. With partly cloudy skies expected today, it is unlikely we will see significant natural activity, though afternoon solar warming on steep south-facing slopes could increase the potential for loose wet or dry point releases.