Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

There is still a chance a person could trigger a lingering wind slab up to a foot deep in the upper elevations. These are often found near ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Additionally, triggering a larger avalanche, 1 to 2 feet deep, that breaks in buried surface hoar is possible on slopes above 2,000'. To avoid these issues one can always stick to lower angle slopes away from steep overhead terrain.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Avalanche Accident: We are deeply saddened to report that a snowmachiner passed away in an avalanche on the backside of Seattle Ridge yesterday at Turnagain Pass. This occurred in Warmup Bowl, also known as -1 Bowl. AK State Troopers will be conducting the recovery today and we ask that people avoid the area. Avalanche Center staff will be visiting the site and will compile a preliminary report today with a full report as soon as possible. Media report HERE.Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and all those involved at this incredibly difficult time.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A bump in easterly wind occurred yesterday evening. This, along with moderate winds on Thursday, will keep wind slabs in the forecast for Summit Lake. These slabs could be up to a foot deep and scattered along ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Look out for shooting cracks or snow that becomes stiff underneath you.

    If the sun shines and temperatures feel warm it may beeasier to trigger a shallow avalanche on steep solar aspects. These may be loose snow avalanches that release from a point and get larger as they carry more snow down the slope or be a small slab avalanche. Seek shadier slopes if you find yourself in the sun and see rollerballs releasing. Worst case scenario, one of these avalanches trigger a larger avalanche on a buried weak layer. 

    Other concerns to keep in mind: Limit time spent under cornices and give them a lot of room on ridges. Minimize time spent under glide cracks and avoid them if possible because the can release into a large glide avalanche.

    (3/20/2025)

    Strong easterly wind blowing snow off Butch Mountain.

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The same layer of surface hoar responsible for many human triggered avalanches in Turnagain Pass also exists about 1’ deep or deeper in Summit Lake. We heard a report yesterday of whumpfing/collapses and 30’  shooting cracks on Raven Ridge at an elevation of 2250'. Upon further investigation the party found the buried surface hoar upright about 1’ deep in the snow that easily failed in a test pit (ECTP4). This slope would have triggered an avalanche if it was steep enough. This is one of the few places we have heard of this weak layer presenting concerning clues (Colorado Mtn is the other location). The point is the problem does exist and could trigger an avalanche deep enough to bury a person.

    What we know is that this layer may give stable results in snow tests or be impossible to find on a slope and still trigger an avalanche. This problem may be more likely in zones that have not been explored yet or sheltered from the wind. If you are getting out, especially in a new zone and on steep slopes, be extra cautious. The safest option is to choose lower angle slopes. 

    (3/21/2025)

    Shooting cracks and collapsing/whumpfing snow on Raven's Ridge.

    Photo: Daniel Krueger

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