Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Avalanche conditions remain generally stable after the weekend storm brought only minimal new snowfall. Triggering small loose snow avalanches in steep terrain is the most likely avalanche problem at this time. There are some buried weak layers in the upper 1 to 2' of the snowpack, but avalanches on these layers remain unlikely until they are stressed by another storm or significantly warmer weather.

______________________________

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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!

The storm this weekend didn't end up producing much new snow, with most weather stations receiving just a trace to a few inches. Today is the break between storms, with partly sunny skies expected and northwest winds peaking this morning with averages of around 15 mph before dropping off this evening.  Another storm system will move into the area overnight, with 2-4" of new snow expected in Turnagain Pass and Girdwood on Tuesday, and another 2-4" on Wednesday. The rain line on Tuesday is expected to be around 500', but could bump up to 1000' or higher on Wednesday. Stay tuned for more storm info!

The avalanche conditions continue to be generally stable due to several weeks with little new snowfall. There are a few weak layers in the upper 2' of the snowpack that could cause an avalanche, but at this point we think it is unlikely. Even during periods of low danger, we still recommend avoiding terrain traps and using safe travel techniques like going one at a time in avalanche terrain, spotting your partners, and grouping up in safe zones to reduce your exposure. 

Loose Snow Avalanches are still possible to trigger in steep terrain. On northern aspects, the snow surface remains dry at upper elevations, and sluffs will be easy to initiate. On southern aspects, the sun is warming up the snow surface enough in the afternoon to produce small wet avalanches that can entrain more snow as they run downhill. Neither of these tends to be large enough to bury a person, but they are worth planning for so you don't get caught off guard in consequential terrain.