Avalanche forecast

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A refreshing cold storm brought 6" of new snow and strong easterly wind to the Seward area yesterday. Although winds have calmed a bit, there are still chances a person could trigger a wind slab up to 2' deep anywhere above 1,000' exposed to the wind. While unlikely, there is still a small chance a person could find a thin spot and trigger a very large avalanche on weak snow that is buried up to 6' deep above 2,500'. A good way to avoid all of these problems today is to choose low angle or simple terrain and stay away from steep slopes above.

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Join us Friday, Feb. 13, for the annual Snowball fundraiser! This event is a collaboration with the Alaska Avalanche School and is always a fun way to support two nonprofit organizations that provide avalanche information and education in our area. Silent auction, beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and music by Hope Social Club! Tickets and event info at alaskaavalanche.org

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: No recent avalanches have been reported in the Seward area since last weeks warm and wet storm.

    Strong easterly winds accompanied the 6" of new snow that fell yesterday creating fresh wind slabs up to 2' deep anywhere above 1,000' exposed to the wind. Wind is forecast to increase from the south today up to 20 mph so small new wind slabs could form. Wind slabs tend to develop under ridgelines on cross-loaded slopes and on steep rolls. They could be found lower on the slope than expected with the wind speeds and cross-loading that occurred with this storm. Even a slight change in the firmness of the snow could mean you are in wind slab territory. A shooting crack is a clear sign that the snow needs more time to stabilize.

    Dry loose avalanches are likely to be triggered by a person today and could occur naturally if the sun pokes out. These could run further than normal today with a slippery surface beneath.

    (2/10/2026)

    Snow falling at Mile 12 yesterday, a beautiful sight

    Photo: AK DOT RWIS camera

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

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

    The December facets are now buried up to 6' or more by very dense snow. The good news is this is making it very difficult for a person to impact this weak layer, especially below 2,500', where there is a crust that helps prevent our weight from reaching that layer. The bad news is this is a low probability high consequence situation. If you are very unlucky and find a thin spot (usually near visible rocks, but sometimes the thin spot is hidden under the snow), the avalanche will be very large and difficult to survive. The chances of this occurring go down with each passing storm as the layer gets buried deeper. This can be completely avoided by choosing low angle or simple terrain. 

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