Avalanche forecast

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Backcountry users will find moderate avalanche danger above 2000 feet today. Human triggered avalanches 1-3 feet will be possible. Refrozen snow below 2000 feet will present a low avalanche hazard at the start of the day and become moderate as snow softens up. Human triggered and natural wet loose avalanches will be possible on low-elevation and warm sunny slopes today.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Our primary concern today is the potential for triggering an avalanche within the top 1-3 feet of storm snow that fell earlier this week. Small avalanches will be possible within the recent storm snow in areas that have been affected by wind. Larger avalanches will be possible at the interface of recent storm snow and old wind-affected bed surfaces. In isolated locations, there is a weak layer of surface hoar below the recent storm snow creating a more sensitive instability.

    Avalanche likelihood today will depend on whether or not this weak layer of surface hoar is present under recent snow. This layer has recently been found in colder glacier valleys and Northerly aspects above 3000 feet. Surface hoar will be found just above old wind-damaged snow at depths between 1 and 3 feet. This situation is concerning because it will be difficult to assess. Spotty distribution and deep burial of the surface hoar in areas will make it difficult to locate. Additionally, this weak layer is becoming stubborn so signs of instability may not be apparent in areas where an avalanche is likely to be triggered.  Careful assessment and terrain progression is advised especially when entering a new drainage/slope. 

    Areas lacking buried surface hoar have shown good stability with conditions improving over the last few days. The general trend is increasing stability but a cautious mindset is prudent due to pockets of less stable snow that could surprise users today. 

     

     

  • Loose Wet

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

    Last weekend's storm deposited a foot of wet snow in town and 2 feet in Thompson Pass. Rising temperatures immediately after this storm created a significant wet/loose avalanche cycle.  Significant shedding has removed much of the loose snow available for avalanches in many areas. However, there is still a moderate hazard on slopes warmed by the sun today.  Steep sunny and rocky terrain will be the most likely areas to see wet slides. Frozen snow will create a low hazard this AM. The hazard rating will increase to moderate this afternoon in areas where the snow becomes wet.  East slopes will be the first to warm up followed by S and then West. Expect Westerly slopes to be the most active with afternoon heating. 

Avalanche Discussion

RECENT AVALANCHE ACTIVITY:  

Small - large wet loose activity on a variety of steep solar aspects.  Natural avalanches were reported on Buried Surface Hoar in the Tonsina. 

 

Generally good stability has been found in many areas throughout our forecast zones. Concerns above 2000 feet are limited to the top 1-3 feet of snow depending on recent snow totals. The big question is whether or not buried surface hoar exists at the bottom of this recent snow. Spotty distribution and deep burial of the surface hoar have made assessing this problem difficult. Although the stability of our snowpack is improving there is a lingering hazard of triggering a slab 1-3 feet deep in areas where this weak layer exists.  

Additional concerns in areas with warmer temperatures  (S faces, low elevations) include wet loose avalanches and cornice releases. Keep an eye on overhead hazards, especially as the day warms. Steep corniced ridges with exposed rock will become unstable with sun exposure.  

Glide cracks exist in isolated areas and will be a hazard throughout the season until they fail.  Avoid exposure to glide cracks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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