Seward and Lost Lake

There is an overall Low avalanche danger for the Seward/Lost Lake forecast region. Despite the unlikely nature of triggering an avalanche today, we still need to pay attention to any red flags and remember our safe travel protocol. Good habits keep us safer. Expose one person at a time, have escape routes planned, and watch your partners closely.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE. Thank you for your help!

After two weeks of generally quiet weather, the weak layers that we have been talking about are becoming more stubborn and we are now in a Normal Caution regime. The weak system that is approaching our area this weekend will bring a few inches of new snow this afternoon through tomorrow, but that is unlikely to increase the avalanche danger. This doesn’t mean we can turn our brains off though. There are always wintertime avalanche hazards anytime there is snow on the slopes. 

Loose Snow Avalanches are still likely in steep terrain, and while we are thinking the problem layers that we have been tracking are unreactive for now, it is not out of the question that a small old slab could pop out on you. Even a small slab can have big consequences if it knocks a person down steep rocky terrain or cliffs, for example. 

Maintaining smart travel protocol is critical anytime we are in the mountains. Even though it’s ‘green light’ we still have to consider the consequences of getting caught by surprise in an unlikely avalanche. Exposing one person at a time when in steep terrain, having escape routes planned, and keeping an eye on your partners from safe spots is key.