Avalanche forecast

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche hazard is Considerable above 4000 feet. Human triggered avalanches 1-3 feet in depth are likely in areas being loaded by northeast wind today.  Watch for signs of unstable windslab such as shooting cracks and collapsing.  The hazard decreases with elevation and lower exposure to wind.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A moderate outflow wind event is forecasted to take shape beginning this morning that may last through friday.   Northeast wind may gust to 60 mph in wind channeled terrain such as Thompson Pass.  Away from Thompson Pass winds could still be in the 30 mph range which is plenty to move snow and form fresh wind slabs on lee aspects.

    Expect to find newly formed windslabs 1-3 feet in depth in specific areas such as cross loaded terrain, the lee side of high elevation ridges and  terrain features.  Newly formed wind slabs will be the most sensitive and will often have a pillowed look.  

    Watch for the effects of wind loading and avoid slopes steeper than 32° that are being actively loaded.  Hard snow over soft is an indication of wind loaded snow and shooting cracks and collapsing are sign that slabs have the ability to produce avalanches.

     

Avalanche Discussion

The main concern today will be wind slabs that are currently being formed by northeast wind.  Watch for the presence of these wind slabs and avoid areas steeper than 32° where signs of instability are present.

The hazard is expected to be highest on the lee side of high elevation ridgelines.  At mid elevation crossloaded terrain is a concern and human triggered avalanches will be possible. At low elevation the effect of wind loaded snow is expected to be much less.  There is 4-8 inches of dry snow on a stout rain crust below 2000'.  The hazard will be low in these areas unless fresh wind slabs are present.

Overall better riding quality and stability will be found in wind protected areas.  The Christmas eve storm has been found to be well bonded.  Overall the snowpack currently has good strength and structure and instabilities should be concentrated near the surface and revolve around wind loading.

Regions covered