Avalanche forecast

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A potential weak layer may make it easier to trigger an avalanche around 1’ deep on wind loaded slopes in Lost Lake. This weak layer is more widespread in the mountains around Seward and Exit Glacier making conditions more dangerous. Wet loose avalanches are more likely in the afternoon and can become larger than expected. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hiking on trails below avalanche paths this time of year is dangerous and not recommended.  Avalanches may release to valley bottoms covering up summer hiking trails. This includes the Marathon Jeep Trail which in a terrain trap for most of the hike. 

Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE. Thank you for your help!

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: On Monday there was a human triggered avalanche on Resurrection Peak outside of Seward. The person was briefly caught and managed to escape the debris which ran almost 4,000’ to the valley bottom. 

    A lack of information leaves us unsure how likely it is to trigger an avalanche on a weak layer buried around 1’ deep. If you venture to Lost Lake these will be more concerning on wind loaded slopes. This same weak layer is more widespread in the Seward Coastal Mountains, and Exit Glacier and could be found at any elevation where 1’ of snow fell on all mountain aspects making these areas more dangerous. This is a similar situation we are seeing in Portage, Placer Valley, and Whittier. 

    If you search for soft snow in Seward, see how easy it slides on test slopes before committing to steeper terrain. In Lost Lake, look for wind slabs which typically form below ridgelines and convex rolls. Shooting cracks and stiff snow underneath you are clues you are probably traveling on a wind slab. Safe travel protocols are essential such as exposing one person in steep terrain and using safe spots that are out of the potential paths.

    As temperatures creep up cornices may start falling off of ridgelines possibly triggering avalanches above you. Try not to spend time under them. Stay off of cornices on ridgelines so your weight is not responsible for releasing these huge chunks of snow and triggering a large avalanche on people below you. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    This is the time of year where we need to be aware of two factors that will increase the chance of wet avalanches: heat from the sun and warming temperatures. Cloudy skies can also trap heat which can melt the snow all aspects. If you find yourself sinking into your shins the best option may be to look for shadier slopes or head to less consequential terrain. These are more likely in the afternoon and have the potential to become large and run far distances. 

    We are entering the wet slab season where warm temperatures at lower elevations are contributing toward a wet and heavy snowpack. This problem is also more common in the afternoon and if the snow does not freeze hard overnight. 

    As temperatures creep up cornices may start falling off of ridgelines possibly triggering avalanches above you. Try not to spend time under them. Stay off of cornices on ridgelines so your weight is not responsible for releasing these huge chunks of snow and triggering an avalanche on people below you. 

    (4/8/2026)

    Wet loose avalanches easily initiated by the weight of a skier below 1500'.

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