Avalanche forecast

Summit Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Despite calm weather for several days, there are still chances a person could trigger an avalanche up to 1' deep above 2,500'. Loose snow avalanches may be triggered by a person on any aspect, but avalanches on southerly aspects will become more likely, and may occur naturally, as the sun warms the rocks and snow. These problems can be avoided by choosing low angle or "simple" terrain. Check out the ATES map for a route planning tool.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: A small avalanche was triggered by a person on the east side of Fresno on Sunday at about 3,000'. 

    Unfortunately, we think the Wind Slab problem has become a Persistent Slab problem, which means we think it's going to stick around for a while. The storm that ended Friday brought a few inches of snow and some wind to Summit Lake, which buried a layer of weak snow that formed prior to the storm. This is the same problem that exists in the Turnagain Pass Zone, but less snow fell in Summit Lake. This type of avalanche may not give any warning signs like collapsing or cracking and may even be triggered remotely (from a distance away from the slide). There also may be many tracks on a slope before someone finds the trigger spot.

    New snow amounts are highly variable across zones so if you find yourself in a place where there is more than a few inches of new snow, avalanches could be larger and more dangerous. If you are traveling in steep terrain, choose slopes without consequences below like rocks, trees and gullies. Choose low angle up routes, travel one at a time in steep terrain, and watch your partners closely.

    (3/22/2026)

    Small human-triggered avalanche on Sunday on the East facing side of Fresno.

    Photo submitted anonymously.

  • Loose Wet

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

    There was one large Loose Snow Avalanche reported yesterday on Peak 4,940', which is on the northern border of the Summit Lake Zone. Temperatures are forecast to be slightly cooler today, but there isn't much wind in the forecast to keep surfaces cool as the sun heats up the snowpack, especially in the afternoon. Sun crust has been reported on southerly aspects, which will melt as it warms. Timing on this progression is uncertain, but rollerballs are a sign that the surface has melted and Loose Snow Avalanches are possible. These can quickly become large and unmanageable. You can switch to a northerly aspect if it looks like the snow surface is really heating up.

    (3/22/2026)

    Loose snow avalanches on Tri-Tip

    Photo submitted anonymously

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