Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Over 6" of new snow will create storm slab instabilities, where human-triggered avalanches are likely, while warming will make wet loose avalanches likely on sunny slopes. Conditions will change quickly through the day—travel early and avoid steep slopes as instability increases.

 

MONDAY OUTLOOK: The storm will likely taper Sunday night, with similar temperatures Monday and slightly stronger winds. With over 6" of new snow, human-triggered avalanches will be likely on steep slopes, especially where wind affected the snow. Wet loose avalanches will increase on sunny slopes as the day warms—travel early and avoid steep terrain.

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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

  • Storm Slabs

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

    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. 

    Over 6" of new snow is expected to fall on Sunday, forming fresh storm slabs on top of a variety of old snow surfaces. These slabs will be most reactive on steep slopes, especially where new snow accumulates unevenly or is slightly wind affected. Human-triggered avalanches will be possible during and shortly after the storm, particularly in alpine and mid-elevation terrain. Watch for signs of instability such as cracking in the new snow or recent avalanches, and use caution on slopes steeper than 30°.

    Persistent Slabs: Several weak, faceted layers remain in the snowpack, though the upper layer is starting to heal with recent warming. Triggering is unlikely but not out of the question, and avalanches could break 1’–3’ deep—avoid steep, previously wind-loaded slopes and choose terrain carefully.

    (4/11/26)

    Up to 0.5" of new water is expected in the forecast on Sunday

    Photo: NWS

  • Loose Wet

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

    As the day warms and sunny slopes soften, wet loose avalanches will be easier to trigger and could entrain a lot of snow, especially on steep slopes in the afternoon. Pay attention to timing and watch for signs of warming like deeper boot penetration or rollerballs. If you’re sinking past your ankles, move to cooler, shaded terrain or call it a day.

    (4/9/2026)

    Thicker suncrust at lower elevations in Glen Alps Recreation Area (~2000')

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

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