Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

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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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A storm is impacting the area today bringing a few inches of new snow accompanied by strong easterly wind. Expect the danger to rise through the day, especially above 2,500', in places that receive more than a few inches of new snow. Portage and Placer are the areas in this zone expected to recieve higher snowfall amounts. Chances that a person could trigger an avalanche 1' deep in windblown snow above 2,500' will increase later in the day. Stick to the soft snow in the trees for safer conditions and better visibility.

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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This is the kind of storm where more snow is expected in the coastal areas of Portage and Placer and less snow is expected in Girdwood and Turnagain Pass. The danger today will be directly associated with how much new snow falls. Snowline is expected to remain low at 500'. In areas exposed to the wind, that recieve more than a few inches of new snow, there will be higher chances a person could trigger an avalanche up to 1' deep in windblown snow. This will be more likely just below ridgelines, on steep rolls, and in cross-loaded gullies where the snow tends to deposit in these conditions. 

    Watch for blowing snow and avoid the places where it is landing. Wind slabs feel like firm snow and may produce a crack that shoots out from your sled, skis or board. This indicates the snow needs some time to adjust to the new load.

    Slopes facing the sun have been getting warm during the day and freezing at night forming a crust. This new snow may slide off that crust especially easily on these aspects (southeast through southwest) in the form of Loose Snow Avalanches or small slabs.

    Loose Snow Avalanches could be triggered by a person today on steep slopes on any aspect. Wet snow and rain is expected below 500' so watch for rollerballs to know that Wet Loose Avalanches could be triggered in those areas. Any Loose Avalanches today should be on the small side, but watch for obstacles below in case you get caught up.

    Persistent Slab: If this storm produces more snow than expected, the deeper weak layers we have been concerned with could be triggered by a person at any elevation, especially below 2,500' where snowpack structure is the worst, producing a large avalanche up to 2' deep.

    (4/7/2026)

    National Weather Service snowfall graphic for 4AM Tuesday to 4AM Wednesday showing expected snowfall totals during this time period. Portage and Placer are not listed, but the yellow and orange color indicates higher snowfall.

    Photo: Courtesy of the National Weather Service Anchorage office

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