Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

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

 Moderate avalanche danger exists in Chugach State Park due to recent easterly winds that formed fresh wind slabs up to 2’ deep. Although winds have decreased and calm, clear weather is expected this weekend, these slabs may remain sensitive to triggering, especially on wind-loaded slopes. Seek wind-sheltered terrain with soft snow. SUNDAY OUTLOOK: A similar pattern is expected Sunday, with wind slabs becoming less reactive but still lingering. Persistent slab concerns remain, and triggering an avalanche on buried facet layers is still possible. The most likely place to trigger an avalanche is in steep, previously wind-loaded terrain, especially in thinner snowpack areas at mid and upper elevations.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

UPPER HUFFMAN: The Glen Alps Recreation Area is open to snowmachines; riders access from Upper Huffman parking lot. For more information,  visit the Chugach State Park website.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: One skier-triggered avalanche was reported in the past week in the Lake Couloir in Falls Creek, likely a fresh wind slab failing at the new/old snow interface. No one was caught or carried in the slide.  Everyone was okay. 

    Fresh wind slabs up to 2’ thick likely formed during a wind event Thursday evening into Friday morning, where low-density snow was transported onto leeward slopes. These slabs may remain sensitive to triggering, particularly in alpine and mid-elevation terrain. Because these slabs sit on a layer of near-surface facets, they may persist longer than expected. Look for signs of instability such as shooting cracks and firm, punchy “styrofoam” snow. Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes and favor sheltered areas with softer surface conditions.

    (3/20/2026) 

    Skier trigger fresh wind slab in Lake Couloir in Falls Creek.  No one was caught or carried in the slide.  Everyone was okay. 

    Photo: Dmitry Surnin

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Several weak, faceted layers remain in the snowpack, including near-surface facets from recent cold, clear weather, multiple mid-pack weak layers, and basal facets near the ground. Prolonged dry, cold conditions have dried out the snowpack base and increased faceting, creating deeper, weaker layers. While no avalanches have been observed on these layers since January 28, they remain a concern. A person could potentially trigger one of these layers, especially in thinner snowpack areas. Avoid shallow slopes that connect to larger wind-loaded terrain.

    (3/19/2026)

    Several weak, faceted layers are in the snowpack, including near-surface facets from recent cold, clear weather, multiple mid-pack weak layers, and basal facets near the ground.

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

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