Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slabs 1 to 1.5' deep will be easy to trigger above treeline today. In mid elevations these may be forming on a slick crust. Easing into steep terrain and steering clear of steep wind loaded slopes is the safest option. Glide cracks continue to release so avoid spending time under them whenever possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    East and southeast winds are supposed to be strong enough today (15 to 30+ mph) to blow snow into fresh wind slabs. They can be found at upper elevations below ridges and convex rollovers as well as in gullies. It may be easier to trigger a smaller avalanche in mid elevations where a slick crust has formed. Wind slabs will feel stiff as you travel over them and there may be shooting cracks underneath you. Pole probing will help to identify stiff wind slabs over softer snow as well as a crust. These clues can help to make informed decisions about whether or not to ease into steep terrain today. The safest option is to choose slopes that are not wind loaded.

    Persistent Slabs: There is a chance that a weak layer (surface hoar) of snow buried 1.5 to 2’ deep could cause a larger avalanche. This seems to be in smaller pockets in upper elevations and not a widespread issue. For more information check out this observation in Goldpan on Saturday.

    (12/15/2024)

    Small crack while skinning up Cornbiscuit

    Photo: Michael Kerst

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Glide cracks continue to release on popular slopes at upper elevations and in the trees. The fresh snow may make them hard to see. They can look like brown cracks or rippled snow if there is fresh snow on them. You will likely encounter one of these cracks on your trip so look for and avoid them if possible.

    (12/10/2024)

    What a glide crack may look like on the skin track or ski down.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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