Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

An approaching storm is bringing strong winds to the area, with precipitation increasing starting this afternoon. Expect avalanche danger to increase as the weather arrives. For now the biggest concern is triggering an avalanche up to a foot deep on wind loaded slopes. Conditions will quickly become more dangerous as the storm picks up right around sunset, so pay attention to changing conditions later in the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Our week of quiet weather has come to an end, and the first of several rounds of storms has arrived. Strong easterly winds will be the biggest factor during the day, but that will change once we start seeing heavy precipitation tonight. We're expecting 2" to 4" snow at Turnagain Pass and Girdwood today, with another 4" to 8" likely tonight. Rain levels are low as of this morning, but will likely rise to around 2000' overnight. Expect to find sensitive wind slabs forming at and above treeline during the day today, and look for more stable snow in terrain that is protected from the winds. The most problematic terrain features will be steep slopes below ridgelines, convex rolls, and gullies.

    You can assess these surface instabilities quickly by looking for stiff snow on the surface. You can evaluate this quickly by stepping off the skin track and poking your pole into the snow or digging a quick hand pit. Small test slopes may be another effective way to collect data. Timing will be important today, and if that next round of stormy weather arrives quicker than expected we need to be ready to change plans and avoid steep terrain entirely. This storm is expected to continue through Tuesday morning, and we could see several feet of snow at upper elevations when all is said and done.

Regions covered