Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in Chugach State Park as a short but intense storm brings heavy snowfall and strong easterly winds through Saturday morning. Large natural avalanches in newly wind-drifted snow are likely, with the potential for deeper avalanches as additional snow and wind load the snowpack. Give the snowpack time to adjust to the new load. The safest choice is to stick to low-angle terrain with nothing steep above and enjoy the soft new snow.

SUNDAY OUTLOOK:  Even though the storm is expected to taper Saturday morning, the snowpack will likely remain sensitive and large human-triggered avalanches are still likely. Cautious decision-making and thoughtful conservative route selection are essential. Avoid traveling on steep, wind-loaded terrain in the alpine and mid-elevation bands.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We’re excited to announce the annual Turnagain Pass Avalanche Awareness Day on Saturday, March 14! We will be up in the Turnagain Pass motorized lot from noon until 4 pm, along with AMDS, Anchorage Yamaha and Polaris, Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs, and the Alaska Avalanche School. Stop by to demo a snowmachine, run through some avalanche rescue drills, or just grab a free burger or hot dog and chat with CNFAC forecasters about current avalanche conditions.

UPPER HUFFMAN: The Glen Alps Recreation Area is now open to snowmachines; riders access from Upper Huffman parking lot. For more information,  visit the Chugach State Park website.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches:  No new avalanche activity was reported in this week’s observations. 

    Large wind slab avalanches up to 2' deep are expected to be likely in the alpine and mid-elevation bands this weekend, both naturally during the storm and from human triggers—especially in the southern portions of Chugach State Park. Areas such as Falls Creek and the Glen Alps Recreation Area are forecast to receive more snowfall and wind loading than locations like Arctic Valley or the South Fork of Eagle River. Watch for signs of instability such as shooting cracks, recent wind loading, and hollow or punchy snow underfoot. Use cautious terrain selection in wind-loaded areas and avoid steep leeward slopes where drifted snow has accumulated.

    (3/6/2026)

    Predicted snowfall totals from 3 am Friday through 3 am Saturday. Graphic courtesy of NWS Anchorage. Higher snow totals are forecast for the southern side of the Chugach State Park.

    Photo: NWS-Anchorage

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Several weak, faceted layers remain in the snowpack, including near-surface facets formed during recent cold, clear weather, multiple mid-pack weak layers, and one near the ground. Observations this week continue to show poor snowpack structure, with one producing concerning test results. Although no avalanches have been observed on these layers since January 28, they remain present, and the current loading from new snow and wind could push them to their breaking point. If triggered, persistent slab avalanches could be larger and more destructive than wind slabs, failing deeper in the snowpack up to 1'–3' deep. Careful terrain selection and snowpack assessment are recommended, especially on steep, wind-loaded slopes in the alpine and mid-elevation bands. Avoid shallow areas of the snowpack connected to larger wind-loaded slopes.

    Snowpack structure in the Chugach State Park with multiple layers of weak, faceted snow (3/4/26). Photo: Mary Gianotti

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