Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Easterly winds are picking up and expected to try to move snow around in the alpine today. Although there is limited snow available for transport, we may still see fresh wind slabs forming 6 to 12" deep at upper elevations. This will require just a little more assessment than we've gotten used to over the past two weeks of quiet weather. Watch for reactive snow in steep terrain just below ridgelines, convex rolls, or gullies.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SnowBall 2025 is this Friday! The Friends of the Chugach Avalanche Center and the Alaska Avalanche School are hosting the annual Snowball to celebrate another great winter season! There will be a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres, and live music from Wiley Post. All funds raised will benefit snow and avalanche safety in Alaska. Join us for a great night! Click here for more information.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We're expecting a slight increase in avalanche danger today as strong easterly winds try to form a fresh round of wind slabs in the upper elevations. With limited snow available for transport, we're not expecting these avalanches to be very big, but after eight days in a row of low danger this will require a shift in mindset. The most likely places to trigger an avalanche will be in steep terrain just below ridgelines, convex rolls, or in loaded gullies. We will likely see snow blowing off ridgelines and actively loading slopes throughout the day, a clear warning sign of unstable snow. You may also see some other warning signs like shooting cracks or collapsing as you travel. Pay attention to these red flags, and look for better stability in terrain that is sheltered from the winds. One more thing to keep in mind as you travel- most surfaces have developed weak facets and surface hoar after two weeks of clear weather, which will increase the sensitivity of any new wind slabs that form on top of those surfaces today.

    Deep Persistent Slabs: There is a small chance that a relatively small avalanche involving windblown snow on the surface could trigger something bigger failing on the weak snow at the bottom of the snowpack. While this is somewhat unlikely, it is worth keeping in mind before committing to steeper terrain today. Those deeper weak layers are anywhere from 2 to 4' deep on average, and could be much deeper in some wind-loaded terrain.

    (2/8/2025)

    Older wind slab avalanche below a large cornice in the upper Lyon Creek drainage at Turnagain Pass. Photo shared anonymously.

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