Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

The main concern for the Summit Lake zone is the potential to trigger a large avalanche failing on weak snow buried about a foot deep. Conditions are most dangerous where last week's winds built stiff slabs on top of a weak foundation. Look for safer (and higher quality) snow on slopes that have been sheltered from recent winds. We have also seen active glide avalanches throughout our forecast area. These are very big avalanches that release spontaneously, so it is important to avoid spending any time under open glide cracks. 

Avalanche problems

  • Glide Cracks

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

    For the past few weeks we have been monitoring the ongoing glide avalanche cycle that continues to impact high-use areas in the Turnagain and Summit Lake zones. These avalanches are very large, and their timing is impossible to predict. Although we have no idea when they might release, in most cases we have the benefit of knowing exactly where they may happen. You can identify suspect slopes by looking for the telltale 'brown frown', or possibly a crumpled, wrinkly texture where the snowpack is slowly creeping downslope. Be on the lookout for open glide cracks, and avoid spending any time below them whenever possible.  If your route requires traveling under an open glide crack, be sure to give it as much space as possible, travel quickly, and only expose one person at a time to the hazard.

    (11/17/2024) Recent glide avalanche release on a south aspect of Wilson's South, with trees of Manitoba in the foreground. Photo: Andy Moderow

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Last week's outflow winds set the stage for an unstable snowpack- a stiff slab sitting on top of weak, faceted snow. As a result, we're taking the time to identify and avoid steep, wind loaded terrain features in the Summit Lake area. We saw multiple avalanches release on this layer during the wind event, but expect that there is still a good chance a person will be able to trigger a large avalanche. The good news is the safest terrain avalanche-wise will be the same terrain with the best skiing and riding. This will be anywhere that has remained sheltered from the wind, with soft snow on the surface. These weak layers take time to heal, so this will be something to keep in mind for the days and weeks ahead.

    (11/19/2024)

    Tri tip has a few examples of terrain features where recent winds likely deposited snow into stiff slabs, which are sitting on top of a reactive weak layer. Translation: Danger zones.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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