Avalanche forecast

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Today you will find Moderate avalanche danger at all elevations in all zones. Windslabs  1-3 feet deep on specific ridgetops may be triggered today. Smaller wind slabs less than a foot deep are expected to be scattered across mid-mountain areas.  Additionally, old storm snow has a small possibility of creating avalanches up to 2 feet deep on steep unsupported slopes. Lower elevation South facing slopes may see wet loose activity in the afternoon. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light to moderate S to SE wind has been transporting snow on higher elevation ridgetops and isolated mid-mountain areas for several days.  Specific ridgetops will have wind slabs 1-3 feet deep on leeward slopes. In these areas, human-triggered avalanches will be possible. If you travel up high today expect to find wind slabs of varying age, thickness, and sensitivity scattered throughout the high alpine areas. Tops of steep rocky chutes and terrain below cornices have produced avalanches to size D2 over the last couple of days. Mid-mountain wind slabs are a lesser concern but have been observed in a few specific areas. These have been less than a foot deep and size D1 to D1.5.   Expect a lesser chance of finding windslab down low and near the port today. 

    (2/15/2024) Photo: Joshua McDonald

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Storm snow from last weekend has been observed to lack signs of instability. Good weather has allowed for numerous observations around Thompson Pass and the mountains to the North.  Pit tests and test slopes have been focused on a faceted layer roughly 45-55 down that has been gaining strength.  Steep unsupported slopes have been stubborn to release on this layer. ECT tests have shown high scores with hard results or no propagation. No avalanches have been observed at this depth from In Thompson Pass or to the North

    Although avalanches are becoming unlikely on this layer continued assessment will be prudent for the time being. ECT tests, small test slopes, and hand pits are good tools to assess the bond strength of this top 45-55 cm of snow.  Changes in weather, temperature, or additional snow loading could make this layer more sensitive in the future. 

     

  • Loose Wet

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

    Lower elevations have been in a spring like cycle with cold temperatures at night rising to 40 degrees durring the day. Avalanche Hazzard on refrozen slopes will start out low and increase as the snow softens with sun exposure throughout the day. Areas near rocks area most suscepatable to warming and will be likely to cause wet slides and W and S slopes throughout the afternoon. If travelling on sunny aspects be sure to monitor the consistency of the snow.  Wet/packable snow surfaces, and roller ball activity may be a precursor to wet avalanche activity.

Avalanche Discussion

Good weather and travel conditions have allowed many users to get into the mountains in a variety of areas.  Recreational users and forecasters have reported a relatively stable snowpack with only a few concerns. Pay attention to what type of terrain you are on and identify what avalanche problem is expected in that area today. 

Additional concerns worth mentioning are glide cracks and cornices. Glide cracks continue to be observed in all 3 areas. These have shown gradual movement downhill but none have released recently. Avoid travel below or immediately adjacent to these features. Cornices have been heavily loaded with significant snowfall over the last couple of weeks with several releases observed throughout our area. Some of these have involved very large blocks. 

Regions covered