Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

The buried weak layers in Summit Lake are becoming unlikely for a person to trigger due to the lack of recent snowfall or major wind loading. However, we still recommend a cautious approach to steep wind loaded terrain in thin snowpack areas. Other mountain hazards to look for include lingering wind slab avalanches in steep terrain, glide avalanches, and large cornices along ridgelines. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Avalanche Rescue Workshop at Glen Alps has been POSTPONED to Sunday, February 9th.  The workshop is free and all experience levels are welcome. Click HERE for more information.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    Buried weak layers towards the bottom of the snowpack continue to be a concern in Summit Lake. However, it has been so long since any significant loading event that we think it is unlikely to trigger an avalanche on these buried weak layers. It is common for persistent weak layers to become 'dormant' during periods of stable weather only to become 'active' again once the next major snowfall or wind event impacts the area. Triggering one of these sleeping giants is most likely in thin snowpack areas connected to recently wind loaded steep slopes at upper elevations.

    Human triggered wind slab avalanches up to 1' deep are possible in localized areas of steep terrain that saw recent wind loading. Keep an eye out for hollow feeling pillows of snow or shooting cracks in wind loaded areas to identify slopes that could harbor lingering wind slabs. 

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