Seward and Lost Lake

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1.5–2.5

  This week's storm has added weight to a snowpack with several buried weak layers. The most reactive layers in the snowpack are now buried 2 to 3' deep, and may produce a large avalanche today. These have slowly become more stubborn over the past two weeks, but this is a problem that we need to pay close attention to.

  We are now at the stage where this problem is less likely to give warning signs before making a big avalanche. While you may see things like shooting cracks or collapsing, these signs will not always be present event when conditions are dangerous. With higher uncertainty and more severe consequences, it is best to use the terrain to manage this problem. Consider avoiding traveling on or below steeper slopes, especially where there are terrain traps like trees, cliffs, rocks, or gullies in avalanche runout zones.

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1.5–2.5

  Recent Avalanches: We have yet to see the extent of any natural activity from the stormy weather from the past few days. On April 11 and 12, several slab avalanches were observed on a hot southerly slope on Lowell Peak where a larger avalanche ran to the ground.

  We should see a break in the stormy weather for a few days this weekend and early next week, but the snowpack in the Seward area will likely remain dangerous today. This zone has received 1 to 2' snow at upper elevations in the past 48 hours, which was accompanied by sustained ridgetop winds averaging 20 to 40 mph.

  Although the weather is quieting down today, it remains likely that a person will be able to trigger an avalanche 1 to 2' deep or deeper failing within new and windblown snow. These avalanches will be more reactive and larger at higher elevations, and they may impact deeper weak layers in the snowpack (see Problem 2). If you plan on getting out between storms, it will be important to travel cautiously. Pay close attention to warning signs like recent avalanches, or shooting cracks, and consider sticking to lower slope angles while this new snow settles out.

  We're sparse on data in the Seward zone after a stretch of challenging weather. If you get out this weekend we'd love to hear what you see! Take a minute to drop us an observation if you can.

  Wet Snow Avalanches: We received over an inch of rain up to 1500 to 2000' elevation during this last storm. This has likely saturated the snowpack. While the chances of natural avalanches are decreasing during this quiet spell, a person may still be able to trigger a wet loose avalanche at and below treeline. Pay close attention to snow surfaces, and consider avoiding steep terrain if you are travelling in sloppy, unsupportable wet snow.