Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The main concern is triggering an avalanche on a buried weak layer 1 to 3’ deep above 2,500'. As the storm approaches strong winds and snow will increase the likelihood of a human triggering a persistent slab avalanche. The safest option is to ride lower angle slopes. 

The avalanche danger is expected  to rise as the storm is forecast to become more intense Sunday into Monday evening.  

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    There is a chance of triggering a large avalanche 1 to 3’ deep on a layer of buried weak snow above 2,500’. Over the next couple of days, the approaching storm will increase this chance as strong east winds and snow showers pick up across the peninsula. 

    It is hard to guess how likely it is to trigger this type of avalanche. There may be no clues indicating the slope is capable of sliding until it does, and it will likely be a big avalanche. It will be easier to trigger a persistent slab avalanche where the snow is thin such as near exposed rocks. There are also thin spots under the snow that you cannot see which makes it tricky to tell if you are traveling on an area where the snowpack is thin. For these reasons the safest option is to ride on lower angle slopes. 

    Keep an eye of for older wind slabs on wind loaded slopes as well cornices on ridgelines as you travel in the backcountry today. 

    (12/31/2025)

    Buried weak layers (facets and surface hoar) in the snowpack. These  are capable of producing large avalanches if a human triggers one of these layers. 

    Photo: John Sykes

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