Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong east winds will make it easy to trigger a wind slab avalanche 1 to 2’ deep or deeper. These will be growing larger throughout the day and may be easier to trigger and larger than expected because they are sitting on top of a weak layer. Today is not the day to get out on steep wind loaded slopes. Look out for cornices falling and glide cracks releasing as avalanches and try to avoid spending time underneath either of them. 

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind had to move our soft snow into wind slabs. Today our main concern will be triggering a touchy wind slab avalanche 1 to 2’ deep, possibly deeper in areas that are being wind loaded. Strong east winds started to ramp up last night (20 to 40 mph) and will continue today which will increase the size of these wind slabs. They will be easier to trigger since they are forming on top of weak snow and surface hoar that was on the surface of the snow. Today is not the day to get out on steep windloaded slopes.

    This problem can be found on steep slopes where wind is actively loading snow. You may even see recent avalanches. Shooting cracks and stiff snow underneath you are also clues that you are traveling on a wind slab. These clues can help to make informed decisions about where to travel safely today. The safest option is to choose slopes that are not wind loaded.

    Cornice Fall: Cornices will be growing larger throughout the day and may trigger an avalanche above you. Keep this in mind as you travel under ridge lines where they tend to form. If you do find yourself on a ridge today, give cornices a lot of room by staying far away from the edge of the ridge.

    Dry Loose Avalanches: At mid elevations loose snow sitting over a crust may slide easily if the slope is steep enough. Look out for this as it may take you off your feet into rocks or alders.

    (12/28/2024)

    Cornices looming over the edge of the ridge looking like an icy wave. These may release naturally today causing an avalanche. 

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Even though glide avalanche activity has slowed we are still seeing glide cracks opening up. We have seen them on the south face of Cornbiscuit and near the bottom of Todd’s Bowl. Best practice is to avoid these glide cracks if possible. The safest option is to avoid traveling under them but if you must do so quickly. 

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