Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Lingering wind slabs about 1' deep that formed on top of a buried weak layer will be possible for a person to trigger today. These mostly exist at treeline elevations and above in wind loaded terrain near ridgelines and gully features. Triggering a larger avalanche on a deeply buried weak layer remains unlikely but is still on our radar for areas with a thin overall snowpack. 

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We are sorry to report a fatal avalanche accident that occurred outside of Girdwood on the afternoon of March 4, 2025. Three people were caught and killed in an avalanche in the west fork of the Twentymile River. Ongoing recovery efforts are being coordinated by the Alaska State Troopers. We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of all parties involved. We have posted a preliminary accident report on our website. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering wind slabs around 1' deep from the stormy conditions on Wednesday could still be an issue at treeline and above. Especially where wind slabs formed on top of a layer of buried surface hoar, which will cause them to remain unstable for much longer than a typical wind slab. The most dangerous slopes will be in steep terrain below ridgelines, convex rollovers, and loaded gullies.

    To identify areas with lingering wind slabs, you can keep an eye out for shooting cracks and use test slopes to check how well the new snow is bonding to the old snow surface. It is possible that a small wind slab avalanche could step down onto a buried weak layer and create a much larger avalanche. You can avoid this problem by sticking to terrain that remained sheltered from the winds.

    Additional hazards to look out for today include cornice falls near ridgelines and loose snow avalanches on the surface. If the sun comes out today, natural loose snow avalanches on steep southern aspects could be a concern. Glide avalanches are also still on our radar. We recommend keeping an eye out for glide cracks and trying to avoid spending time underneath them.

    (3/3/2025)

    Close view of the crown of an avalanche that was triggered on Tenderfoot on Monday. This was a wind-loaded slope, with a firm slab sitting on top of a layer of buried surface hoar.

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    In areas with a generally shallow snowpack we are still monitoring buried weak layers of faceted snow that could cause much larger avalanches. With the lack of recent loading in Summit Lake, we expect avalanches on these buried weak layers to be unlikely. Triggering a deep slab avalanche commonly occurs in shallow parts of the snowpack near rocks or the edge of gullies, where it is easier for the weight of a skier or rider to impact deeply buried weak layers. 

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