Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Ridgetop winds are expected to increase today into the 20 mph range from the east. This will make human triggered wind slabs up to 1' deep above 1,000' our primary concern. Other hazards to watch for include loose avalanches that could be dry or wet depending on whether you are above or below the freezing level. Cornices can be more likely to fail during periods of warm and windy weather and new glide avalanches and cracks have been observed within the past week so avoid spending time underneath these hazards today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Soft slabs up to 1' deep were found yesterday on Eddies above 2,000' in places that had some wind effect. We expect similar conditions today with fresh wind slabs forming. These slabs could be touchy in places that grew weak snow (surface hoar and facets) over the last 2 weeks of calm weather. We have some uncertainty regarding the distribution of the weak snow that is now buried so assessing each slope as we go will be important. Watch for blowing snow and avoid places where it is being deposited. Jumping on small test slopes will be a good way to see how the new snow is bonding to the surfaces beneath. Cornices will continue to grow with new wind and can be more sensitive during stormy periods like this.

    Yesterday was warmer than expected and temperatures at the Tincan SNOTEL reached 35 degrees in the afternoon for a few hours. Rollerballs were observed on Eddies below 2,000', which are a sign that human triggered wet loose avalanches could occur. Temperatures remained at or above freezing at 1,800' overnight so we expect similar conditions today. Above the freezing level, dry loose avalanches could occur on steep slopes in places protected from the wind. Regardless if it's dry or wet, this type of avalanche is typically less dangerous than a slab, but can knock us off our feet or carry us into unfriendly places like trees and rocks. 

    Another glide avalanche was spotted yesterday on Wolverine in the Turnagain Pass zone. Glide cracks may be more difficult to see with a little new snow covering them so keep a careful eye out to avoid being underneath or falling in from above. 

    (2/16/2025)

    A few moments of moderate wind transport in the afternoon near 2200' on Eddies.

     Photo: Andy Moderow

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