Avalanche forecast

Summit 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

Moderate east winds will be creating fresh wind slabs up to 1’ deep above 2,500’. These may be forming over weak snow which may make them easier to trigger than expected. Wind slabs can be found on steep wind loaded slopes below ridges and in loaded gullies. Otherwise, It is unlikely to trigger a large avalanche on a persistent weak layer near the ground. Other hazards include glide avalanches releasing and cornice fall due to warmer temperatures and strong winds. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Moderate ridge top winds from the east (15 to 25mph) will be forming fresh wind slabs up to 1' deep above 2,500’. These will likely be forming on top of weak snow that formed during the past 2 weeks of clear, cold weather. This setup with a wind slab over weak layers will probably create slightly larger avalanches that will be a little easier to trigger than expected. 

    Wind slabs typically form below ridgelines, convex rolls, and in loaded gullies. Active wind loading, and recent avalanche activity indicates the snow is being stressed and capable of avalanching. Getting on small inconsequential slopes looking for shooting cracks beneath you or triggering a small slide are a great way to see how easy it could be to trigger a larger avalanche on bigger slopes.  Cornices will continue to grow today and may break off and trigger a wind slab avalanche above you. Consider spacing out and exposing one person at a time if you travel under a cornice. 

    It will be easy to trigger loose avalanches on steep slopes. There were reports of wet loose avalanches seen below 2,000’. Above the freezing line where the snow is dryer, dry loose avalanches could be a problem in places protected by the wind. Both of these can entrain a lot of snow and carry someone off a cliff or into the trees.

    So many things to look out for today. Glide avalanches have been spotted around Summit Lake with the most recent above Johnson Lake (02/11).  These avalanches can be huge so if you see a glide crack above you (looks like a brown frown), looking for ways around them is the safest option or move one at time past them.

    (2/12/2025)

    Wind-scoured to tundra on the ridge. The bowl to the left will likely have a fresh wind slab in it today. 

    Photo: Caleigh Warner

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    There is an unlikely chance a human could trigger a large avalanche on a layer of buried facets above 2,500’. We have not heard of an avalanche releasing on these layers in over 2 weeks. That being said we still have weak snow under a large slab that is gaining strength slowly. Areas where the snowpack is thin (ridgelines and exposed rocks) will be easier places to trigger an avalanche. A skier heard a whumpf (weak layers collapsing) on Raven’s Ridge six days ago which is telling us that these layers are still being triggered where the snow is thin. If you want to avoid this problem, stick to slopes less than 30 degrees.

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