Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Continued strong winds at upper elevations could form new wind slabs up to a foot deep in the Summit area. Human triggered avalanches will be possible on recently wind loaded slopes. Although several old buried weak layers exist in the snowpack, it is unlikely that just the wind blown snow will overload them and cause a larger avalanche. Last, continuing to avoid glide cracks is key as glide avalanches are still being seen across the region.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Another round of ridgetop winds with some light snow showers are developing this morning. Between 1-2" of snow is expected to fall, tapering off in the afternoon (rain/snow line ~1,000'). Easterly ridgetop winds should blow 15-30 mph with gusts near 50 mph. The new snow will fall on 1-3" of snow that has accumulated over the past two days.

    Triggering a wind slab avalanche around a foot deep in wind drifted snow is the main concern again today. However, with such little new snow, and very little existing soft snow available for transport by the winds, these new wind slabs may be scattered about and not very widespread. That said it is always a good idea to watch for areas winds are drifting snow, stiffer snow over softer snow, and cracks that shoot out from under you. These are signs you've found a wind slab. 

    Glide avalanches and opening glide cracks have been observed across the region. These are unpredictable and can cause very large and destructive avalanches, so we recommend avoiding spending time underneath open glide cracks. 

    Cornices are very large and can fail naturally during periods of active wind loading. Try to avoid traveling underneath cornices while they are being loaded and give them a wide berth when traveling along ridgelines. 

    (2/15/2025) Wind affected ridges on the south end of Turnagain Pass. This is similar to what has been seen in Summit Lake where only a couple inches of snow with strong wind has been seen.  Photo: Andy Moderow

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    Despite the lack of avalanches releasing in buried weak layers over the past several weeks, we are still thinking about the unlikely chance one could be triggered. The most concerning areas for larger avalanches releasing on weak layers 2-4'+ deep are high elevation start zones being actively wind loaded. Deep persistent avalanches are often triggered from a thin spot in the snowpack connected to an adjacent start zone. As always with persistent weak layers, the best way to avoid them is to stick to lower angle terrain. 

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