Avalanche forecast

Summit 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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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 strong easterly wind and a few inches of new snow to Summit Lake yesterday. The main concern is that a person could trigger a large avalanche on weak snow that is buried up to 4' deep in this area. A person could also trigger a much smaller avalanche up to 1' deep in windblown snow above 2,500'. These problems can be avoided by choosing low angle slopes with nothing steep 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

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Recent Avalanches: There have not been any recent avalanches reported in Summit Lake.

    Summit Lake received 4" of new snow yesterday with strong easterly wind. Although you may find a small wind slab up to 1' deep, the main concern today is the chance of triggering a very large avalanche on weak snow that is buried up to 4' deep. This is still a bigger concern in Summit Lake than our other zones because the layer is not buried quite as deep as it is elsewhere. It is easier for a person to impact a weak layer when it is closer to the surface. The thick crust that exists in the lower elevations is helping to prevent our weight from reaching the weak layer, but where the crust thins above 2,000' chances go up that you could impact this layer and trigger a large avalanche.

    The other unfortunate part of this problem is that the slab that is sitting on top of this weak snow is very dense. If you are unlucky, and find a thin spot to trigger this layer, the avalanche will be large and difficult to survive. Thin spots usually exist close to rocky ridges, but sometimes they are beneath the snow and invisible.

    The good news is this problem is trending in the right direction and snowpack tests are indicating it is becoming stubborn to trigger. If you are heading into steeper terrain, ensure safe travel protocols are being used, like choosing low angle up routes, keep a close eye on partners, and travel one at a time in terrain above 30 degrees. 

    (2/9/2026)

    Snowpit on the north side of Tenderfoot Ridge at 3,150' showing an unstable test result. Although stubborn, it shows there are still chances a person could find a thin spot and trigger an avalanche on the December facets.

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With just a few inches of new snow yesterday in Summit Lake, and not a lot of snow available to move around, wind slabs should only be found above 2,500' and should be on the small side up to 1' deep. Ridgetop winds are forecast to increase today up to 20 mph from the south, so small fresh wind slabs could be found in addition to older ones from yesterday. Wind slabs are typically found below ridgelines, in cross-loaded gullies and on steep rolls.

     A small wind slab could get us into trouble if it knocks us off our feet and carries us into rocks or trees. A small wind slab could also be enough weight to trigger the larger and more dangerous avalanche described above. Even a slight change in stiffness of the snow indicates you've found a wind slab and a shooting crack is a clear sign the snow needs more time to stabilize.

    (2/10/2026)

    The cameras show a little bit of snow fell in Summit Lake yesterday.

    Photo: AK DOT RWIS camera

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