Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Shallow wind slabs may be found on steep slopes below ridgelines, and convex rolls in the alpine today.  Formed during a brief period of north wind on Monday, these may be up to 1' deep.  At and below treeline, conditions are generally stable and will harbor the better surface conditions if you can find snow in wind-sheltered terrain.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Northern Aspects Film Festival is coming to Seward, TONIGHT!  Benefiting the Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center, this homegrown collection of ski and snowboard films, made for Alaskans by Alaskans, is sure to inspire!  Tickets are $15 at the door.  Rae building --  125 3rd Ave.  Seward, AK.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Above 2,500', it'll be easy to find stiffer snow over facets using a ski pole or simply stepping off your snowmachine, paying particular attention to terrain below ridgelines, convex rolls, and steep gullies.  Andrew found a few shallow wind slabs on Fresno yesterday during his outing, noting shooting cracks on wind-loaded rollovers around 2,800'.  Any wind slabs in the alpine will be less energetic today, given a third day in a row of light winds, but it'll still be important to assess and keep in mind your consequences.  

    Below 2,500' and in areas sheltered from the wind, the snowpack is generally stable.  Wherever you end up skiing or riding today, it'll be important to follow safe travel protocols. Maintaining eyes on your partners from safe spots, traveling one at a time through avalanche terrain, and planning an escape route are all ways to minimize your consequences if a slope does slide.

    Dry loose avalanches in steep terrain remain likely wherever there is soft snow on the surface. These should be on the smaller side in the Summit Lake zone, but they will be fast-running again today.

    (3/18/2026)

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

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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