Seward and Lost Lake

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  As the winds pick up this afternoon a fresh batch of wind slabs up to a foot deep will be forming at upper elevations. These can form very quickly and become sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. Keep an eye out for active wind loading, shooting cracks, and hollow pillows of snow to identify areas with fresh wind slabs. Using test slopes to check how sensitive wind slabs are to the weight of a skier or rider is a great way to assess them before entering more consequential terrain. 

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Avalanches releasing on buried weak layers 1-2' deep are possible, but we have limited information about how widespread this problem is in the Seward and Lost Lake area. The weak layers formed during the last cold and clear spell and the depth they are buried depends on how much new snow has fallen in the past week or so. In areas that have received significant new snow, like Seattle Ridge in Turnagain Pass, we have seen widespread human triggered avalanches. 

  Persistent weak layers are difficult to assess once they are buried because their distribution can be so variable. Using tools like hand pits and snow pits can be useful to identity and test buried weak layers but just because you don't see the layers in one pit doesn't mean you are in the clear. As a storm approaches this afternoon we expect additional snow load to make these buried weak layers more sensitive to human triggering in the coming days. We recommend a patient and conservative mindset when dealing with persistent weak layers. Sticking to lower angle slopes is the best way to avoid this problem.

  Cornices will become more likely to fail as they start to get wind loaded again this afternoon with the incoming storm system. 

  Glide avalanches are still a concern across the forecast area. Try to avoid spending time underneath glide cracks to limit your exposure to this unpredictable hazard.