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
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A cold storm is on it's way out this morning, which brought 8" of new snow to Girdwood and Turnagain Pass with easterly ridgetop wind. It could be easy for a person to trigger a large avalanche in windblown snow up to 2' deep in the upper elevations. Look for softer snow and safer riding options at lower elevations in wind protected areas.

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent avalanches: There was a small human-triggered avalanche on the north side of Tenderfoot in Summit Lake on Sunday. It looked like it occurred on a steep wind loaded roll.

    There are a variety of wind slabs within treeline and above today that should be reactive especially this morning. Fresh wind slabs 1 to 2' deep above 2,500' will be the most likely problem to encounter today. There is also a chance we could trigger a larger avalanche on an older wind slab. There is weak snow sitting under those old wind slabs that still have potential to release. We don't know exactly how sensitive those older wind slabs are today, but we do know where they exist. 

    They form just below ridgelines, on steep rolls (like the one that was triggered on Tenderfoot Sunday), and in cross-loaded gullies. Ease into terrain today and look for opportunities to test a small wind loaded slope to see how reactive it might be. Cracks that shoot out from us mean the snow needs more time to adjust to the new weight. Old wind slabs sometimes don't give any feedback so an escape and rescue plan is good to have if we get surprised.

    Girdwood - Crow Pass/Raggedtop: This area has a very different snowpack than the Alyeska/Max's side of Girdwood and Turnagain Pass. If this area is in the plan, careful evaluation and terrain progression as we go will help make a safe day.

    Dry Loose Avalanches: With 1' of new snow since Friday, dry loose avalanches could be a real concern today on steep slopes. These could be large enough to bury a person or could carry us over a cliff or into places we didn't intend to go. Choose clean run outs that fan out at the bottom to reduce the consequences if we get caught.

    (12/28/2025)

    This is a crack from a rider on Seattle Ridge on Sunday. A shooting crack from a wind slab would look similar to this except it may travel further. 

    Photo: Brandon Mcnaughton

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