Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
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Highlights

There is a chance of triggering a wind slab avalanche 1-2’ deep. They can be found in upper elevations on steep wind loaded slopes. Glide avalanches are continuing to release so try and minimize time spent under glide cracks or avoid them altogether.  

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering a wind slab avalanche or dry loose avalanche on steep wind loaded slopes is our main concern today. There is also an average of 8 to 14" of new snow from the storm that rolled through two days ago. This is a lot of snow that needs time to become more stable.  Both of these problems will be more common at higher elevations.  We are unsure how likely it will be to trigger one of these avalanches because we have limited information above 2,600’.

    This is the first day that people will be getting above treeline to enjoy fresh snow so the safest option is to ease into steep terrain. Assess the snow by jumping on small test slopes to look for shooting cracks. Be aware that if the snow below you becomes stiff and hollow sounding you are probably traveling on a wind slab. Wind slabs tend to form below ridges, and below convexities, where the slope angle appears low then “rolls over” becoming very steep. 

     

     

    (12/13/2024)

    Human triggered avalanche from a cornice fall in Tincan's Hippy Bowl.  Two glide avalanches covered with fresh snow. 

    Photo: Matt Sturgess

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Yesterday, six recent glide avalanches were observed in Turnagain Pass. This type of avalanche starts as a glide crack and randomly releases into a large avalanche. Because they can be found at all elevations you will likely encounter one of these cracks. Keep your head up as you travel to see if you are approaching one and minimize time spent under them.

    (12/13/2024)

    Fresh glide avalanche right above the normal motorized uptrack on Seattle Ridge.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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