Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Lingering wind slabs around a foot deep may be easier to trigger above 2,500’, especially where a layer of surface hoar is buried. Wind slabs form on wind loaded slopes under ridges and rollovers. There is also a small chance of triggering a large avalanche on weak snow buried inb the lower half of the 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. 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

    Recent Avalanches: A large avalanche was triggered in the Carter Lake area yesterday that ran to the valley floor. It was triggered by a skier who released a cornice that fell onto the slope. Luckily no one was hurt.

    Lingering wind slabs up to a foot deep will be possible above 2,500’ that may be sitting on top of a layer of buried surface hoar. Similar to Turnagain Pass, this layer can be a big concern if there is a big enough slab on top of it. The large avalanche in Carter Lake yesterday is telling us that this problem does exist in Summit Lake. We are not sure if this failed on the buried surface hoar layer but based on the size it likely failed on a weak layer. This will be more concerning where the weak layer is deep enough to trigger an avalanche like on a wind loaded slope. 

    Wind slabs commonly form below ridgelines, rollovers, and in loaded gullies. Look for shooting cracks, collapsing and snow that becomes stiff underneath you. These are clues telling you that the wind slab has not bonded well to the old snow. The safest option is to look for slopes that are sheltered from the wind.

    (3/11/2025)

    Winds slab avalanches releasing in steep terrain.

    Photo: Daniel Krueger

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    It is unlikely but not impossible to trigger a large avalanche on a layer of weak snow near the bottom of the snowpack. Likely places to trigger these layers is where the snow is thin like near exposed rocks. The consequences will be higher in upper bowls where deeper snow becomes thin. Consider this problem if you find yourself in steep terrain.

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