Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Calm and sunny weather is in store for Summit Lake today and there are still chances a person could trigger an avalanche up to 1' deep above 2,500'. Dry Loose avalanches may be growing larger with cold temperatures. Wet Loose have not been a problem yet, but rollerballs are a sign that the snow surface is heating up and Wet Loose avalanches could be triggered by a person. Consider the consequences if steep terrain is in the plan and you can always choose low angle slopes to avoid all of these problems.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Yesterday, we learned of 4 fatalities that occurred on March 22, 2026 in British Columbia, Canada, in two seperate incidents. Our neighbors to the east and their small communities are in our thoughts as they navigate these tragedies. Preliminary information about these accidents can be found here.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: A small avalanche was triggered by a person on the east side of Fresno on Sunday at about 3,000'. There were a few new natural avalanches noticed yesterday on west to southwest facing slopes of Lone Star and Templeton, but we don't know exactly when these occurred. 

    Summit Lake has a similar problem to Turnagain Pass right now where there is weak snow buried under the most recent storm and windblown snow. It isn't buried quite as deep in Summit (up to 1' deep), which is the good news. The bad news is that this type of problem is difficult to assess. Snowpit results may give unreliable results and there can be multiple tracks on a slope before someone finds the trigger spot. You can avoid this by choosing low angle slopes for now. If you are heading to steep terrain make sure the groups safety gear is checked at the parking lot. Travel one at a time in steep terrain, choose safe spots well out of the way of runout, and watch your partners closely. 

    Wind Slab: Ridgetop winds are forecast to be 0 to 5 mph today, but they are currenly blowing 10 mph and last night they picked up into the teens mph for a few hours. There may be a few sneaky wind slabs up there today. These should be small and on the soft side, but could be very problematic in steep terrain. These can be found just below the ridgelines. Feel for firm snow over soft snow and watch for a shooting crack that means the snowpack needs time to adjust in that spot. 

    (3/24/2026)

    Natural avalanche on Lone Star noticed on Tuesday. We are unsure of the timing and the trigger, but it may be warming related. 

    Photo: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    There were a few new avalanches seen yesterday in the Summit Lake area on west and southwest facing slopes that may have been triggered by warming. They were on the fence between small and large avalanches. This is the time of year we really have to pay attention to the southerly facing slopes and carefully assess our route through the day. The powerful sun can make it easier for a person to trigger an avalanche whether it's a Loose Avalanche or a more dangerous slab described above. Choose terrain without consequences below or switch to a colder aspect if the snow surface is really heating up.

    (3/24/2026)

    Natural avalanche on Templeton Peak in Summit Lake. We are unsure of the timing and the trigger, but it may be warming related. 

    Photo: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center

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