Avalanche forecast

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Northerly wind has been blowing just strong enough to form new wind slabs up to 1' deep in the upper elevations. These could be triggered by a person and can be found just below ridgelines, on cross-loaded gullies, and on steep rolls.  Loose snow avalanches may be triggered by a person on any aspect, but avalanches on southerly aspects will become more likely, and may occur naturally, as the sun warms the rocks and snow. These problems can be avoided by choosing low angle or "simple" terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The wind just won't quit in Seward. I noticed blowing snow off the highest peaks yesterday in the Seward area that were forming new wind slabs up to 1' deep in the typical places described above. Some of the wind slabs out there are old and may not give any warning signs like shooting cracks. The avalanches that we could trigger should be on the small side, but small avalanches can be trouble if they carry us into rocks or trees. Choose slopes with clean runouts that fan out at the bottom to avoid a serious outcome. 

    Loose Snow Avalanches: Temperatures in the Seward area are slightly warmer than temperatures in the zones to the north, but wind speeds are forecast to be higher here, which should help to keep the snow surface cool. Loose Snow Avalanches could be triggered anywhere there is soft snow on the surface and should be relatively small and manageable, but watch for consequences below in case you get knocked off your feet. Southerly aspects may heat up in the afternoon depending on how much wind occurs today. Watch for rollerballs to know the warm up is happening and Loose Snow Avalanches are becoming more likely on these aspects. You can switch to a more northerly aspect if the southerly aspects are really heating up.

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