Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

We are approaching 2 weeks of clear and cold weather and there's still a chance a person could trigger an avalanche up to 3' deep above 2,500'. Firm snow, just below ridgelines, is where we are most likely to trigger an avalanche. Large and destructive glide avalanches have been releasing frequently for weeks from Girdwood to Seward. Watch for new cracks along your route and give them space while climbing up beside them or passing underneath.

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Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: Three remotely triggered avalanches occurred on Saturday on a southeast aspect in the upper Seattle Creek area. We don't have reports of new glide avalanches in the last few days, but the cycle has been active for 6 weeks and there are hundreds of glide cracks.

    Strong north winds on Saturday formed some wind slabs up to 1.5' deep that could still be reactive today. There is a weak layer of facets underlying these wind slabs, which is the reason they could be reactive for longer than normal. These avalanches shouldn't be large, but depending on the terrain we choose, we could run into rocks or trees if we get caught. A small avalanche could trigger a larger one that could be more difficult to escape.

    There are 3 layers of buried surface hoar, below the facets, that are getting stronger with each day of calm weather. It gets harder to trigger these layers over time, but it could still happen. Trigger spots are usually thin spots near rocks. The way to completely avoid all of this is to choose slopes 30 degrees or less. 

     

    (12/14/2025)

    There were a few weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack on Sunburst, but none of them showed concerning results in our snowpit tests.

    Photo: John Sykes

  • Glide Cracks

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

    This photo was taken from Taylor Pass on Friday. It's remarkable how many glide cracks exist in our forecast zones and it doesn't seem like the activity has slowed yet. It's easy to get complacent since this problem has been going on all season, but taking the time to spread out while passing underneath will reduce the consequences if one releases from above.

    (12/12/2025)

    A view of unknown number of glide cracks between Taylor Pass and the Library.

Regions covered