Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for fresh wind slabs that formed from the strong winds over the past 24-hours in the higher elevations. These slabs could be up to a foot deep and found just off ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Otherwise, glide avalanches remain a concern as they are still releasing in highly trafficked areas. Look for and avoid being under glide cracks.

Avalanche danger is expected to rise tomorrow, Tuesday, with strong winds and rain/snowfall. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    After a 2-week dry spell, the mountains finally saw a bit of weather yesterday. Although this was more blow than snow with strong easterly winds, yet only an inch or so of snowfall. With quieter weather slated today before the next system pushes in tonight/tomorrow, we will be on the lookout for any wind slabs formed over the past 24-hours.

    If you are headed to the higher elevations, watch for areas the recent winds have deposited snow. Any new wind slab is likely to have formed on weak faceted snow, which will make it on the easier side to trigger. These might only be found in the higher exposed terrain and may not be too large, but we should always keep an eye out for them on any slope. Looking for shooting cracks and hollow feeling snow are good ways to identify areas that have been wind loaded. 

  • Glide Cracks

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

    "Glide cracks and avalanches everywhere you look on Turnagain." Quote from an observation passed to us last night. That pretty much sums it up. It's becoming harder and harder to be on slopes without worrying about a glide avalanche. Unfortunately, this trend is likely to continue as the warm weather could induce more cracks to avalanche. Something to keep in mind. 

    As we've been saying for weeks now, avoiding spending time under cracks is recommended. They release at random and are not triggered by us. Even a small glide avalanche can be extremely destructive. 

     

    (11/30/2024)

    Gaping glide crack near the common up track to the top of the Tincan ridge. 

    Photo: Anchorage Nordic Ski Patrol

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