Avalanche forecast

Chugach State Park

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is Moderate with the potential to trigger avalanches up to 2’ deep on buried faceted weak layers in the alpine and mid-elevation bands. Warming afternoon temperatures may also lead to wet loose instabilities, especially at lower elevations and on steep south-facing slopes. Careful terrain selection is key, particularly in areas with thinner snowpack or increased solar input.

FALLS CREEK:  The snowpack here is slightly more reactive than much of the forecast zone, with an increased potential for loose avalanche activity at lower elevations. There is also heightened concern for weak, faceted layers within the snowpack, which may contribute to additional instability. Careful terrain selection is advised, especially on steep south-facing slopes.

SUNDAY AVALANCHE OUTLOOK: Expect similar conditions to Saturday, with avalanche danger likely remaining unchanged.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of a fatal avalanche accident that occurred on March 27. One skier was caught in an avalanche near Lake George and did not survive. We have published a preliminary report in our accident database, and will update that page with more information if it becomes available.Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, and the guides and responders involved. Additional information may be found in this statement from Alaska State Troopers and this article from ADN.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches:  Over the past week, there have been eight documented avalanches—four human-triggered and three natural—primarily wind slabs and loose dry avalanches. On March 20, a small natural cornice fall and wind slab occurred on Harp. On March 21, a natural wind event in Falls Creek produced multiple avalanches, including a very large wind slab, and a skier triggered a large wind slab the same day. Additional human-triggered avalanches include a large wind slab on March 22 in the Glen Alps, and small dry loose avalanches on March 25 in Falls Creek and March 26 in the South Fork of Eagle River.

    Multiple layers of weak, faceted snow persist in the snowpack, including near-surface facets from recent clear, cold weather, several mid-pack weak layers, and basal facets near the ground. Triggering avalanches up to 2' deep on these upper facet layers remains a concern. Ongoing cold, dry conditions continue to weaken the lower snowpack, promoting faceting and maintaining deeper persistent weak layers. Although no avalanches have been observed on these deeper layers since January 28—making them unlikely to trigger—the poor structure remains, and triggering one is still a possibility. Use caution in shallow areas connected to larger, previously wind-loaded slopes.

    (3/26/2026)

    Peak 4 SW aspect pit wall

    Photo: Nathan Baird

  • Loose Wet

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

    Steep south-facing terrain is the most likely place to trigger wet loose avalanches. Below-freezing air temperatures have limited wet activity so far, but lower elevations will be the first to see increasing instability as daytime warming and solar input take effect. Watch for early signs of wet snow instability, such as rollerballs, and adjust terrain choices as conditions evolve—move to shaded terrain if you begin to sink into wet surface snow.

    (3/24/2026) 

    Point releases on south aspect of Rusty Point 

    Photo: Joe Kurtak

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