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

In the Summit Lake area the main concern is triggering a large avalanche in steep wind loaded terrain. Stiff wind slabs, formed last week, are around a foot deep and sit on weak snow. Sheltered areas and lower elevations will be safer places to recreate as well as harbor softer snow. Glide avalanches have also been occurring in this zone. It is important to look for and avoid spending time under glide cracks.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Several natural wind slab avalanches released in the Summit area last week during the strong northwesterly outflow winds. These were quite wide and propagated across slopes - zoom in on the photo to the right. The problem is these slabs, although older, built on weak faceted snow. This means they are not likely to be bonding well, which creates an unstable snowpack. Triggering one of these slabs could be very scary and dangerous, especially in big open bowls. If you are headed out to Summit, steering clear of any slope with stiffer wind loaded snow is recommended. As mentioned earlier, higher quality snow and safer slopes will be those sheltered from the winds. 

    (11/21/2024)

    Two crowns from recent natural avalanches on Summit Peak, probably from Nov 15.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Glide avalanches have been occurring in Summit Lake as well, albeit not nearly as prolific as what's occurring in Turnagain. This kind of avalanche is completely unpredictable, not triggered by people, and highly destructive. As you likely know well, they release spontaneously with no warning signs other than a slowly opening crack. The good news is we can see the cracks and alter our routes to avoid them or go as fast as possible under them. 

    Snowpack depths: The snowpack at Summit is roughly 6" to a foot deep of icy snow at the parking lots and around 3' deep above 2,500'. 

    (11/17/2024)

    Closeup of glide cracks, one glide avalanche release on Lonestar.

    Photo: Andy Moderow

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