Avalanche danger is Considerable as warming increases wet avalanche activity. Wet loose avalanches will be easy to trigger on sunny slopes, especially later in the day. A persistent slab problem lingers on all aspects beneath up to 1' of older wind-drifted snow, where buried weak layers can still be triggered. Wet avalanches could step down into these deeper layers. Use careful terrain selection—if you’re sinking past your ankles, head to cooler, shaded terrain.
FALLS CREEK: Danger is slightly higher due to low elevations, steep southerly slopes, and hard-to-see start zones. Some avalanche paths cross the trail. Start early and move out of steep terrain as the snow softens.
Multiple weak, faceted layers remain in the snowpack, though the upper layer is beginning to heal with recent warming. Triggering is unlikely on high north facing slopes but still possible, and avalanches could be 1’–3’ deep. Use caution on steep, previously wind-loaded slopes and make thoughtful terrain choices.
(4/9/2026)
Snowpack structure in Chugach State Park start zones
Photo: Mary Gianotti
Recent Avalanches: A very large wet slab avalanche was observed on the backside of Harp on a SE-facing slope, likely occurring naturally on April 12. Another large wet avalanche was reported on Rusty Point suspected to have occured on April 13. Additionally, there have been multiple reports of wet facet collapses on Rusty Point and in the South Fork of Eagle River, indicating that deeper weak layers are becoming reactive as the snowpack warms.
Daytime warming is weakening the snowpack as water moves into upper layers, increasing the chance of wet slab avalanches. These are most likely on steep, sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations, especially where water pools above crusts or buried weak layers. Wet slabs may be human-triggered or occur naturally and could be large and destructive, particularly if they step down into deeper persistent weak layers. Watch for signs like sinking past your ankles, wet snow, rollerballs, and pinwheels. Timing is critical—travel early while the surface is frozen, and move to cooler, shaded terrain as it softens. Avoid steep slopes and terrain traps during peak warming.
(4/13/2026)
Natural wet slab avalanche on the backside of Harp Mountain on a SE aspect suspected to have occured on April 12.
Photo: Paul Wunnicke
