Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Our main concern remains the chance of triggering a large avalanche where there is a stiff slab sitting on top of weak, faceted snow. This will most likely be found in previously wind loaded terrain features like gulleys, convex rolls, and steep slopes just below ridgelines. You can stay out of harm's way and find the best surface conditions by seeking out terrain that has remained sheltered from the wind with soft snow on the surface.

We are also paying close attention to the continued glide avalanche activity throughout the area. These avalanches are large, destructive, and unpredictable. The only way to manage this problem is to avoid traveling below open glide cracks whenever possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    The main concern in the Summit Lake area is triggering a slab avalanche where winds previously built stiff slabs on top of weak, faceted snow. The best way to manage this problem is to identify and avoid terrain with stiff snow on the surface, especially in features that commonly collect windblown snow like gullies, convex rolls, or slopes just below ridgelines. 

    It has been several days since the last major wind event impacted the Summit Lake zone, but the evidence is apparent. Current surfaces in the alpine include scoured ridgelines and loaded gullies. These previously wind loaded features will be the areas where you are most likely to run into trouble today. Look for the best stability and the best surface conditions in areas that have remained sheltered from the winds, with soft snow on the surface. Be on the lookout for warning signs like shooting cracks or collapsing as clear indications of unstable snow, and stick to lower-angle terrain if you notice either.

    (11/23/2024)

    Looking towards a wind-beaten Summit Lake zone from Silvertip.

    Photo: Michael Kerst

  • Glide Cracks

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

    We are seeing an unusually active glide cycle, even by our standards. Pay attention to the slopes above you as you're traveling in the mountains, and avoid spending any time under open glide cracks. If your route requires traversing below a glide crack, be sure to travel quickly and only expose one person at a time to the overhead hazard. We continue to monitor active glide cracks from Turnagain Pass to Summit Lake. This includes glide avalanches releasing as well as glide cracks slowly opening up. In many cases we've seen cracks open up in popular ski runs, splitting open recently laid ski tracks or skin tracks. 

    There is a weak system passing through today, but the impacts on our forecast area are expected to be minimal. We may see a trace to an inch or two of snow, with westerly winds averaging 5 to 10 mph and gusting 10 to 20 mph. This will do little to change the current avalanche conditions.

    (11/23/2024) Several glide cracks on Twin Peaks.

    Photo: Michael Kerst

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