Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will be more likely in the afternoon and can still be a concern on cloudy days. If you are sinking up to your shins in wet snow the best options may be to head to shadier slopes or to less consequential terrain. Old wind slabs may be sitting over a weak layer of snow around 1’ deep in upper elevations.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hiking on trails below avalanche paths this time of year is dangerous and not recommended.  Avalanches may release to valley bottoms covering up summer hiking trails. This includes the Russian Lakes Trail to Barber Cabin, the north entrance of Johnson Pass, Crescent, Ptarmigan, and the Victor Creek Trails. Remember that as long as there are snowy mountains above you, avalanches can come down to snow free hiking trails.

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

  • Loose Wet

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

    Recent Avalanches: A slab avalanche was reported on Wilson Pk on Thursday that may be a wind slab. Small wet loose avalanche activity is increasing on steep sunny slopes.

    This is the time of year where we need to be aware of two factors that will increase the chance of wet avalanches: heat from the sun and warming temperatures. Cloudy skies can also trap heat which can melt the snow on all aspects. If you find yourself sinking into your shins the best option may be to look for shadier slopes or head to less consequential terrain. These are more likely in the afternoon and have the potential to become large, run far distances, and possibly trigger a larger avalanche. 

    We are entering the wet slab season where warm temperatures at lower elevations are contributing toward a wet and heavy snowpack. This problem is also more common in the afternoon and if the snow does not freeze hard overnight. 

    Old wind slabs may be sitting over a weak layer of snow making them easier to trigger for longer. These may surprise you below ridgelines and convex rolls where they tend to form.

    As temperatures creep up cornices may start falling off of ridgelines possibly triggering avalanches above you. Try not to spend time under them. Stay off of cornices on ridgelines so your weight is not responsible for releasing these huge chunks of snow and triggering an avalanche on people below you. 

    (4/9/2026)

    Small wet loose avalanche on Fresno. 

    Photo: Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center

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