Avalanche forecast

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The avalanche hazard is Moderate at all elevations.  Human-triggered avalanches are possible 1-3  feet in depth.  Expect wet loose activity to continue at low elevations and on solar aspects today. Persistent slab avalanches will be possible in specific high-elevation areas. Human-triggered and natural avalanches remain possible. 

Avalanche forecasts are issued Wednesday-Sunday at 8 am. April 30 will be the last avalanche forecast of the season.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Warm sunny conditions today will continue to affect our snowpack in most areas with the exception of high North aspects. Lightly refrozen snow will quickly soften starting on Eastern aspects. Solar radiation will then move clockwise around the compass throughout the day, going from S, SW, W, and NW aspects as the day progresses. Plan your routes to avoid sunny slopes that show signs of wet loose activity durring the heat of the day. Roller balls, deep,wet snow, and previous wet loose avalanche activity may indicate that this hazard is increasing. Steep sunny slopes with exposed rock will have an increased likelihood of producing activity as the dark rocks absorb heat. 

    The sun's effects are also weakening cornices, snow bridges, and steep ice in the area. Travellers should consider how the sun is affecting the mountains overhead as well as under their feet today. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

    4/19- Active wet loose activity on the North Buttress of Mt Francis during sunny weather directly after heavy snowfall

    Photo: Gareth Brown

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    A parade of storms in April has left us with a thick slab overlying a weak layer of snow (facets) in many mid to upper elevation areas.  Heavy snow last week created a sensitive and unstable snowpack that was producing Natural and human-triggered avalanches up to several feet deep in specific terrain. A few days of mild weather since the last storm has allowed this situation to improve, but there is still a possibility of triggering a persistent slab in some areas. This problem will most likely be found on steep, complicated north-facing terrain above 4000 feet, but can also be found in other areas. There is still a bit of uncertainty regarding the distribution and sensitivity of this problem, so careful assessment on a slope-by-slope basis is advised. This is especially important if travelling into unfamiliar, steep alpine terrain. There have been few signs of instability associated with this problem, so don't be caught off guard by seemingly stable conditions.  

     

     

    (4/15/2025)

    Hiker triggered avalanche on Local Spines . Crown depth 3-4 feet/ 500-600 feet wide/ multiple step downs.

    SS-AFu-R3-D3

Avalanche Discussion

Observed Avalanche Activity last 72 hours: 

4/23- Helicopter skier was caught and carried in a small avalanche involving wind-loaded snow.  No injuries SS-ASc-R1-D2

Forecast Discussion:

The snowpack is rapidly transitioning to a spring setup.  Wet loose avalanches are the main concern and should be treated seriously on slopes steeper than 35° that are becoming active or have wet snow.  Cornices, icefalls, and snow bridges will all be affected by increases in solar radiation today and may become unstable. 

Although the likelihood is decreasing, large hazardous slab avalanches remain possible. Faceted snow and crusts underneath a thick slab are contributing to this problem. There has been plenty natural and human triggered of avalanche activity associated with this situation but the overall hazard has been hard to asses on a large scale. This is partially because there have been no signs of instability (cracking, whoomphing, etc) observed that have been associated with the persistent slab problem. Additionally, avalanche activity seems to be occurring in specific areas, with other areas remaining stable. Cautious route finding is advised, especially in steep, complex terrain. 

Additional Information:

Avoid Cornices. This is the time of year when cornices begin to fail naturally.  Cornice fall will have the potential to create large destructive avalanches.

A weather and snowpack season history is available by clicking on the Season Summary tab, which is located below the bottom line statement once you have entered the full forecast.

Season Snowfall Data

Location 24 hour Snowfall Inches- 4/24 24 hour Snow Water Equivalent Inches Height of Snow April Snowfall Inches Season Total Snowfall Valdez    0    Trace    27      2     N/O     Thompson Pass   N/O    0   N/O     N/O    ~500 Nicks    0    0    156    N/O N/O 46 Mile    0     0   10    10 N/O

Regions covered