Avalanche forecast

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong northwest winds will form wind slabs 1 to 2+' deep at upper elevations. Human triggered avalanches are likely in areas with active wind loading. The potential for wind transported snow to trigger a larger avalanche on a buried weak layer exists in areas with a thinner snowpack.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Motorized Access:  The Forest Service has opened Johnson Pass north trailhead and the Summit area to motorized use. You can see riding area status on the Forest HERE.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    The Seward and Lost Lake areas are getting the brunt of the winds during this outflow event. Yesterday, massive wind transport formed wind slabs 1 to 2+' deep at mid and upper elevations. Today, strong winds will continue to transport whatever soft snow is left on the surface. To identify areas with fresh wind slabs look for recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or hollow feeling pillows of snow along ridgelines and convex features. Temperatures combined with wind chill will be frigid today, so here is a friendly reminder to bring warm gloves, extra layers, and something to cover your face.

    We still have limited information about this area and have seen large avalanches after the major storm this weekend near Seward that could have released on a buried weak layer. Due to this uncertainty and the active wind loading, we recommend a cautious approach to steep terrain.

    Cornices along ridgelines and dry loose avalanches on steep slopes are additional hazards to look out for. As the surface snow turns to facets in the cold temperatures dry loose avalanches can start to gain more volume and run faster. 

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

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