Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Our main concern is a weak layer buried about 1' deep that could cause large human triggered avalanches on specific terrain features. This layer seems most concerning above 2000' in areas typically sheltered from the wind, like sparsely forested terrain near treeline. We recommend carefully assessing the snowpack and avoiding slopes with terrain traps below. In addition, keep an eye out for lingering wind slabs up to 1' deep at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches, cornice fall, and glide avalanches caused by sun and warm temperatures.  

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Avalanche Accident:  We are deeply saddened to report a fatal avalanche accident on Saturday, on the back side of Seattle Ridge in Turnagain Pass. Our preliminary report can be found here. We are working on collecting more information and will publish a full accident report as soon as we have all of the information from the event.

Sean Sullivan, Cory Davis, and Travis Temple will be hosting a free avalanche awareness and rescue training event in memory of Tucker Challans on Saturday, March 29, at Alaska West Air in Nikiski. See the flyer in the media gallery below for more information.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: There was a fatal avalanche accident on the back side of Seattle Ridge in Warmup Bowl on Saturday in which the rider was caught and buried, and did not survive. There have not been any recent avalanches in the Summit Lake area, but skiers did report collapsing and shooting cracks on Raven Ridge and John Mtn over the weekend.

    The same weak layer of buried surface hoar that has caused widespread human triggered avalanches in Turnagain Pass and Seward also exists in the Summit Lake area. Due to the lower snowfall in the past six weeks, the layer is buried closer to 1' deep in the Summit Lake area and has not caused nearly as many avalanches. However, a dangerous snowpack setup exists in some places and there is the potential for human triggered avalanches. This type of weak layer often catches people off guard because it can cause avalanches on lower angle slopes than typical.  

    To identify concerning areas keep a close eye out for shooting cracks and collapsing as obvious clues that the weak layer is sensitive to human triggering. Using hand pits and snowpits to assess the snowpack seems somewhat more reliable in Summit Lake because the layer is not buried as deeply. However, adopting a conservative mindset and choosing terrain with safe runouts is a good way to add some extra safety margin. To avoid this issue altogether you can always stick to low angle terrain and avoid slopes with steep terrain overhead.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In addition to the persistent problem, there are a few surface snow issues to keep an eye out for today. Wind slabs that formed 24 to 48 hours ago are expected to be up to 1' deep along ridgelines, cross-loaded gullies, and rollovers at upper elevations, and could still be possible for a person to trigger in isolated areas. 

    The past few days temperatures have been creeping up in the afternoon and it is starting to feel like the beginning of spring meltdown. Wet loose avalanches have been releasing naturally on steep solar aspects (east, south, west) as they heat up in the sun later in the day. These are typically not large enough to bury a person, but in bigger terrain, they can grow large enough to be dangerous and the debris is heavy and difficult to get out of if you are caught.  

    Cornice fall is a normal part of the transition to a spring snowpack and can happen randomly while cornices are heating up in the sun. Try to avoid spending time underneath cornices, especially if they are getting a lot of sun, and give them a wide berth if you are traveling along ridgelines.

    Glide avalanche activity has also been picking up this week as another sign of the gradual transition to a spring snowpack. These large and destructive avalanches release randomly and are best avoided. 

Regions covered