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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in Chugach State Park. Human-triggered avalanches 1’–5’ deep are likely on steep, wind-loaded slopes. Avoid steep terrain and slopes connected to steeper terrain above. Warming temperatures and a rising rain line may create wet snow problems—if the snow gets wet or you sink past your ankles, move to cooler, shaded terrain.

MONDAY OUTLOOK: Danger will remain Considerable as strong winds continue to load slopes and stress weak layers. A rising rain line and warm temperatures will increase instability, especially at mid and lower elevations. Human-triggered avalanches are likely, and natural avalanches are likely in heavily loaded areas. Stick to low-angle terrain and avoid runout zones.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Forecast Operations: We have transitioned to our late season forecasting schedule, issuing forecasts Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Our last forecast will be Thursday, April 30th followed by our annual "Spring Tips" on May 1st. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches:  A very large hiker-triggered avalanche on the N side of Peak 3 occurred last night, failing on weak, faceted snow beneath a wind slab. Multiple very large human-triggered avalanches were reported last weekend, with crowns 1’–5’ deep, including on Peak 3, Flattop, Glen Alps Recreation Area and Peak 2. A group was also caught in an avalanche in Falls Creek on April 17, with two people injured.

    Human-triggered avalanches 2’–4’+ deep are likely. New and windblown snow is adding stress to weak layers buried in the snowpack, making this problem hard to predict. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance, even from flat areas connected to steeper slopes. Avoid traveling on or below steep slopes, especially where terrain is large and connected.

    Wet Snow: Temperatures are rising, and people are reporting wet collapses and sinking past their ankles, especially at lower elevations. This means the snow is weak and unstable. If the snow gets wet or you start sinking deeply, move to cooler, shaded terrain and avoid steep slopes.

    (4/25/2026)

    Very large hiker-triggered avalanche covered powerline trail and ran almost to valley bottom.

    Photo: Malcolm Herstand

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds continue across the Front Range, building fresh wind slabs in unusual places, including lower on slopes. These slabs may sit on weak snow and could be reactive to human triggers. A firm, wind-packed surface can make it easy to travel well onto a slope before triggering an avalanche, increasing the chance of being caught mid-slope. Avoid steep, wind-loaded terrain and watch for signs like rounded pillows, shooting cracks, and stiff, hollow-feeling snow.

    (4/26/2026)

    Recent strong, sustained, ridgetop winds from the E on the Peak 3 weather station

    Photo: Mary Gianotti

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