Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous conditions exist. Human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely, with slabs up to 3–5'. Ongoing wind loading is building fresh slabs over a weak, faceted snowpack. Be cautious on steep, wind-loaded slopes. If the sun breaks out, wet loose avalanches may develop. Use conservative terrain choices.

FRIDAY OUTLOOK: Danger remains elevated. Strong winds peak early Friday and taper into Saturday. Continued loading and warming will keep avalanches likely, with naturals likely in heavily loaded areas. Stick to lower-angle terrain and minimize exposure to overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Human-triggered and natural wind slab avalanches up to 1' deep are likely. Snow available for transport and SE winds have built fresh slabs on leeward slopes, particularly near ridgelines, convexities, and high alpine bowls. Watch for signs of wind loading like rounded pillows and shooting cracks. Avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes.

    (4/23/2026)

    Sustained, strong ridgetop winds documented on Peak 3 weather station

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches:  Recent avalanche activity highlights dangerous conditions in Chugach State Park. Multiple human-triggered  persistent slab and wind slab avalanches have been reported, with crowns 1' to 5' deep. Human-triggered avalanches on Peak 3, Flattop, Glen Alps Recreation Area and Peak 2 show these slabs are sensitive and capable of producing large avalanches. A group was also caught in an avalanche in Falls Creek on Friday, with two people injured. Primilary information can be found in this acticle. 

    Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in Chugach State Park, and human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely. A weak, faceted snowpack is being stressed by recent loading and rapid warming, reactivating buried layers. Avalanches on steep, wind-loaded slopes could be 1'–5' deep, propagate widely, and step down deeper than expected. Use conservative terrain—avoid steep slopes and connected features, and stick to low-angle terrain with minimal consequences.

    Wet Loose: If clouds break and the sun comes out, surface snow may warm quickly—especially at lower elevations where a rain/snow mix is likely. Wet loose avalanches may develop on steep slopes. Watch for rollerballs, pinwheels, or damp, sticky snow. Timing matters—travel early on frozen surfaces and move to shaded terrain as the day warms. Avoid steep slopes and terrain traps during peak heating.

    (4/21/2026)

    Peak 2 pit failing on December facets

    Photo: Nathan Baird

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