Seward and Lost Lake

Avalanche problems

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2.5

  Recent Avalanches: On April 11 and 12, several slab avalanches were observed on the north side of Lowell Peak and on a southerly slope where a larger avalanche ran to the ground.

  Five to 8" of new snow has already fallen in Seward and Lost Lake and 3 to 6" more is expected during the day today making human-triggered avalanches in new and windblown snow the main concern. Natural avalanches will become likely as the storm progresses. When the snowpack is being loaded rapidly it's best to give it time to adjust and stick to low angle slopes with nothing steep above. 

  This storm is forecast to pick up in intensity tonight with 8 to 10" of new snow expected overnight at Lost Lake and 12 to 14" new snow closer to the coast accompanied by moderate easterly wind. Natural avalanches will become more likely as the snowpack becomes overloaded with this new weight and the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches will increase rapidly as the snow piles up.

  Persistent Slab: We think weak snow is buried up to 2' deep in the upper elevations especially in wind-loaded places, but we don't have much information from this zone recently. Today, those layers are being stressed by new and windblown snow increasing chances a person could trigger a very large avalanche on west, north or east facing slopes above 2,000'. South facing slopes have a slippery crust that could make it easy for new snow to slide.

  Wind Slabs: Moderate easterly winds occurred yesterday and overnight with 5 to 8" of new snow making it likely a person could trigger a fresh wind slab today. Ridgelines will be a dangerous place to travel today, and this is where wind slabs are typically found. They can also be found on steep rolls and in cross-loaded gullies. 

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Rain is expected below 2,400' today in this zone accompanied by above freezing temperatures. These conditions could break down the crust increasing chances for wet avalanches. Watch for roller balls as an indication this is becoming likely. As the surface softens, wet loose avalanches will become larger and more difficult to manage. 

  As the crust breaks down, there will be chances a Wet Slab could occur naturally or be triggered by a person. This is a very dangerous type of avalanche that is difficult to survive because the snow is so heavy. If you are sinking up to your shin in wet snow (snow that you can squeeze water out of and it makes your glove wet) it's time to get out of there. If you transition to a northerly aspect you may find the dry snow problems described above.