Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

 As sunny slopes warm, wet loose avalanches will be easier to trigger and can entrain significant snow, especially on steep slopes in the afternoon. A persistent slab problem remains on all aspects beneath up to 1' of older wind-drifted snow, where avalanches can still be triggered on buried weak layers. Wet loose avalanches may step down into these deeper layers. Choose terrain carefully—if you’re sinking past your ankles, move to cooler, shaded terrain.

 

FALLS CREEK:  Falls Creek has slightly higher avalanche danger due to low elevation terrain, steep south-facing slopes, and shallow, hard-to-see start zones. Some avalanche paths also cross the trail and are difficult to see from below. Timing is important for wet loose avalanches—start early while the snow is still frozen if traveling in this area.

 

SUNDAY OUTLOOK: Up to 6" of new snow is expected in Chugach State Park, which may add storm instability to a warming, changing snowpack. Expect wet loose avalanches on sunny slopes and lingering persistent slab problems on all aspects. Conditions will change quickly during the day, so travel early and watch for signs of warming, new snow, and increasing instability.

______________________________

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Concerns have arisen about accessing public lands via private property along Hiland Road.   To help maintain access to Chugach State Park along Hiland Road, please obtain permission before crossing any private land, respect all signage, and use the established public access points. Responsible use and good communication with landowners are essential to keeping these areas open for the entire backcountry community. Thank you for your cooperation!

Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE. Thank you for your help!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Recent Avalanches:  A small wet loose avalanche was noted on April 4 on The Ramp on a SE-facing aspect. In addition, a small human-triggered avalanche was triggered on April 9 on a NW aspected that was suspected to have failed on the upper near-surface facet layer we have been tracking. 

    As sunny slopes warm, wet loose avalanches will become easier to trigger and may pick up significant snow, especially on steep slopes in the afternoon. Manage your timing and watch for signs of warming like deepening boot penetration or rollerballs. If you’re sinking past your ankles, it’s time to move to cooler, shaded terrain or head out.

    (4/9/2026)

    Suncrust observed in Glen Alps Recreation Area. This crust is formed from snow melting on the surface and could break down layer in the day to produce wet loose avalanches

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Several weak, faceted layers remain in the snowpack, including near-surface, mid-pack, and deep layers near the ground. The upper near-surface facet layer is starting to heal with recent warming, but it is not fully healed yet. No avalanches have been seen on these layers since the March 19 wind event, and triggering is unlikely but not out of the question.   If triggered, persistent slab avalanches could break 1’–3’ deep and produce large, destructive slides, especially in wind-loaded alpine and mid-elevation terrain. Choose terrain carefully and avoid steep, wind-loaded slopes and shallow areas connected to deeper, more loaded terrain.

    (4/9/2026)

    Structure of several layers of weak, faceted snow sandwiched between wind slabs in Glen Alps Recreation Area

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

Regions covered