Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

There is a chance that a human could trigger an avalanche 1 to 2’ deep on a layer of weak snow buried near the ground. This problem will be more concerning at mid and upper elevations and may be easier to trigger on steep wind loaded slopes. These types of avalanches can be hard to predict. Glide activity has slowed down but they still warrant caution. We recommend avoiding traveling under glide cracks.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    We have seen recent avalanches south of the Summit Lake zone that released close to  the ground. This is telling us that this weak layer is still capable of producing avalanches 1 to 2’ deep at mid and upper elevations. Steep slopes that are wind loaded will also increase the chance of triggering this type of avalanche.  

    Seeing shooting cracks or hearing whumpfing sounds are clues telling you that there is a weak layer below you. Be extra cautious on wind loaded slopes where soft snow becomes stiff, or hollow sounding. Ease on to steeper slopes looking for these clues but keep in mind that with this type of avalanche problem clues may be hard to find. 

    (12/13/2024)

    Several avalanches that released at the ground on the North face of Wrong Mtn.

    Photo: Daniel Krueger

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    There is a small chance glide cracks will release as glide avalanches in Summit Lake. It has been about seven days since we have seen a glide avalanche. We still want to look out for these in the backcountry. Keep your head up as you travel to see if you are approaching a glide crack and minimize time spent under them. 

    (11/29/2024)

    Large glide crack on WIlson North

    Photo: Daniel Krueger

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