Avalanche forecast

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Today the avalanche hazard is low below 3000 feet and moderate above.  Pockets of unstable storm snow in steep high elevation terrain will create the possibility for small to medium human-triggered avalanches in isolated areas. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Old storm slabs 4-12 inches deep may be sensitive to human triggers in isolated areas. Steep alpine terrain above 4000 feet with snow that has been stiffened by wind or warming will have the possibility to produce a human-triggered D1-D2 avalanche today. Areas with recent snow totals above 12 inches will be the most suspect.  In general good stability has been reported with minimal observed avalanche activity.  Skier testing has produced few avalanches over the last few days.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches have been active on solar aspects and lower elevations recently.  Today, cloudy and cooler weather will minimize these hazards.  Although wet loose activity will be unlikely today, pay attention to snow consistency. Areas where surface snow becomes moist deeper than a few inches will have an increasing hazard.  

Avalanche Discussion

RECENT AVALANCHE ACTIVITY:  

Over the last few days, there have been reports of small D1 avalanches to the south of our forecast area. Additionally small to medium wet loose activity has been observed.

DISCUSSION:

Mostly stable conditions have been observed over the last few days. Numerous motorized and human-powered travelers have been testing a variety of terrain throughout our area. Only minor avalanche activity in isolated areas has been reported. Isolated areas that could produce avalanche activity include steep alpine terrain with wind/sun-stiffened storm snow.

Wet loose activity is expected to be inactive today with lower temperatures and cloudy skies.

A layer of buried surface hoar 1-3 feet deep with spotty distribution has become inactive over the last week. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. There is a small chance this layer could be triggered by a cornice fall or storm slab avalanche stepping down. Northerly aspects above 3000 feet in the continental zone are the most likely areas to encounter this scenario.

Today marks the end of a period of mild weather and increasing stability. Look for significant snowfall over the weekend with an increase in avalanche hazards. 

Additional Concerns:

Glide cracks - A very significant Glide avalanche/ landslide in Upper Stuart Creek last week is a great reminder of the destructive forces involved with glide crack failure.  Glide cracks exist in isolated areas and will be a hazard throughout the season until they fail.  Avoid exposure to glide cracks.

Cornices - This is the time of year when cornices begin to fail.  You can significantly reduce your overall exposure to the mountains this time of year by avoiding traveling on top of or under cornices.

Regions covered