Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Our main concern is the possibility of triggering a large avalanche failing on one of several weak layers buried within the snowpack. The most likely place to trigger an avalanche will be in steep alpine start zones, which may have been loaded by the wind over the past week. It is important to assess this problem carefully before moving into steep alpine terrain, or avoid it by sticking to lower angle slopes.

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Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We are still concerned with the potential of triggering  a large avalanche one of the several weak layers buried in the Summit Lake snowpack. These can be anywhere from 6" to 3' deep or deeper, and may be a challenge to assess. We know the snowpack is gaining strength, but the large avalanches we saw in the area during the holiday storm indicate this is still an issue.

    This is most likely to be found in steep alpine terrain, especially on slopes that tend to get loaded by the wind. Since it can be a challenge to determine whether a specific slope may be stable or unstable, the best way to  manage this problem for now may be to avoid those big steep start zones.

    Cornice Fall: The winds over the past week have made large overhanging cornices in many areas. These can catch people by surprise by failing much further back from the ridge than expected. Be sure to give them plenty of space as you travel along ridgetops, and spend as little time as possible traveling below them.

    (12/26/2024)

    Crown of a recent natural avalanche on Spirit Walker, in the sun on the left side of the frame. This most likely involved one of the weak layers we've seen in more heavily traveled areas in the Summit Lake zone.

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

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