Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Northerly winds up to 20 mph are forecast for Summit Lake today making wind slab the main concern. A person could trigger an avalanche up to 2' deep anywhere that has been wind loaded in the last few days. Common wind loaded places include just below ridgelines, on steep rolls, and in gully features. This can be avoided by sticking to low angle slopes.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We’re excited to announce the annual Turnagain Pass Avalanche Awareness Day on Saturday, March 14! We will be up in the Turnagain Pass motorized lot from noon until 4 pm, along with AMDS, Anchorage Yamaha and Polaris, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, and the Alaska Avalanche School. Stop by to demo a snowmachine, run through some avalanche rescue drills, or just grab a free burger or hot dog and chat with CNFAC forecasters about current avalanche conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds are forecast from 15 to 20 mph today in Summit Lake, but sometimes stronger winds occur with northerly outflow wind events. Watch for blowing snow and avoid places where it is landing to avoid the new wind slabs that are forming today. Older wind slabs that formed with the storm on Friday may still be reactive due to weak snow that was on the surface before the storm. Whether it's old or new, wind slabs feel like firm snow over softer snow. Watch for red flags like recent avalanches, shooting cracks and whumpfing. If you notice them, change the plan and move to lower angle slopes.

    There is a small chance that a wind slab avalanche could be enough weight to trigger a much larger and more dangerous avalanche. We think this is unlikely, but you can completely avoid the chance of this by sticking below treeline on low angle slopes.

    Dry Loose Avalanches - In steep areas that have been spared by the wind, it will be easy for a person to trigger small dry loose avalanches. These should be small and relatively managable, but keep an eye out for what's below in case they sweep you off your feet.

    (3/8/2026)

    This is Mt. Marathon in Seward taken on Sunday with snow blowing off the peak. Winds are strong enough in Summit Lake today to look like this.

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

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