Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

There is a weak layer of snow buried around 1’ deep that was responsible for widespread avalanche activity on Thursday. In Turnagain Pass this layer will be more of an issue on wind loaded slopes. In Portage, Placer Valley and Whittier this weak layer can be found at all elevations making these areas more dangerous. Dry and wet loose avalanches are likely on steep slopes. All of these avalanches have the potential to trigger larger avalanches on a weak layer buried around 2’ deep.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hiking on trails below avalanche paths this time of year is dangerous and not recommended.  Avalanches may release to valley bottoms covering up summer hiking trails. This includes the Byron Glacier Trail and the Trail of Blue Ice in Portage Valley and the Crow Pass Trail in Girdwood Valley. Remember that as long as there are snowy mountains above you, avalanches can come down to snow free hiking trails.

Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE. Thank you for your help!

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: There were several human triggered avalanches reported on Thursday including one in Todd’s Bowl where a dry loose avalanche stepped down to a deeper weak layer resulting in a large avalanche. Multiple natural avalanches around 1’ deep released in Portage, Placer Valley, and Whittier as well as Seattle Ridge and Lynx Creek. These occurred at all elevations with some releasing in the afternoon when temperatures peaked.

    The recent increase in avalanche activity is telling us that weak layers buried in the snow are still an issue. The Todd’s Bowl avalanche is a reminder that weak layers around 2' deep may start waking up. This is a possible scenario where dry or wet loose avalanches have the potential to trigger a larger avalanche on these weak layers with higher consequences. There is also a weak layer buried around 1’ deep that is more likely to be triggered at upper elevations on wind loaded slopes. 

    This same weak layer is more widespread in Portage, Placer Valley, and Whittier and can be found at all elevations and mountain aspects making these areas more dangerous. These also have the potential to trigger deeper weak layers as well as in the Girdwood Valley where the snowpack structure is weaker. 

    Take some time to evaluate how easy the new snow could slide on test slopes and be aware that snow tests may be unreliable with this type of problem. Safe travel protocols are essential such as exposing one person in steep terrain and using safe spots that are out of the potential avalanche paths. With a lot going on, you can always choose more conservative objectives. 

    As temperatures creep up cornices may start falling off of ridgelines possibly triggering avalanches above you. Try not to spend time under them. Stay off of cornices on ridgelines so your weight is not responsible for releasing these huge chunks of snow and triggering a large avalanche on people below you. 

     

    (4/9/2026)

    View of the avalanche on Todd's Bowl where a dry loose stepped down to a deep weak layer. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    This is the time of year where we need to be aware of two factors that will increase the chance of wet avalanches: heat from the sun and warming temperatures. Cloudy skies can also trap heat which can melt the snow on all aspects. If you find yourself sinking into your shins the best option may be to look for shadier slopes or head to less consequential terrain. These are more likely in the afternoon and have the potential to become large, run far distances, and possibly trigger a larger avalanche. 

    We are entering the wet slab season where warm temperatures at lower elevations are contributing toward a wet and heavy snowpack. This problem is also more common in the afternoon and if the snow does not freeze hard overnight. 

    (4/8/2026)

    If you sink to your shin in wet snow on a steep slope it's time to get out of there and find a colder aspect.

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

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