Avalanche forecast

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The wind is forecast to pick up today enough to create some fresh wind slabs that could be triggered by a human up to 1' deep in the upper elevations. Otherwise a generally stable snowpack exists in this zone. Cornices have grown large over the course of the stormy winter, give them some space when possible. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Avalanche Rescue Workshop at Glen Alps has been POSTPONED to Sunday, February 9th.  The workshop is free and all experience levels are welcome. Click HERE for more information.

It's not too late to catch us on our brewery tour this week. The Girdwood Brewery is hosting us tomorrow for a conversation about the world of snow and avalanches:

  • Forecaster Chat - Thursday, February 6th, 6-7:30 p.m. at Girdwood Brewing Co. in Girdwood. Andrew Schauer will discuss recent CNFAC research and highlight ways it can help your backcountry game. Details HERE.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind is forecast to pick up to 15 to 20 mph from the northwest today on the ridgetops. This wind is not as strong as last week so the new wind slabs should be in their more predictable places like just below ridgelines and in cross loaded gullies. Last week the slabs were all over the slopes from the strong wind forming drifts at all elevations (see photos below). The good thing about wind slabs is they are one of the easier problems to spot. Watch for blowing snow and avoid areas where it has been recently deposited. Riding or jumping on a small test slope is a good way to see if recently deposited snow is bonding to the snow beneath. 

    Sun effect: The wind is probably going to keep the snow surfaces cool today in many places, but steep southerly slopes that are protected from the wind may warm from the sun. Roller balls are the indicators that the warming is making the snow weak enough to fail and slide.

    Cornices: The cornices are probably going to stay cooled off today due to the wind, but they can be unpredictable so giving them space is always a good practice. 

     

    (1/30/2025)

    Watch for blowing snow today as a sign that fresh wind slabs are forming. This photo is from last weeks strong north wind.

    Photo: Daniel Krueger

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