Avalanche forecast

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches 1 to 3' deep are possible today due to the recent snowfall and strong winds from a series of storms this week. The most concerning areas are above 2000' where dry snow fell. We have little information about the stability of the new snow and recommend a conservative approach to avalanche terrain. 

__________________________________

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Eastern Talkeetna Mtns - We've heard reports of remotely triggered avalanches near Gunsight Mtn in the eastern Talkeetnas. This area has no avalanche forecast and can harbor a shallow and weak snowpack. If you are heading north seeking dry snow this weekend be sure to assess the snowpack before entering avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    A brief lull in the stormy weather is expected today before the next storm system moves into the area this evening. We have received roughly 3' of new snow this week, which fell on top of a weak snow surface and has produced many large natural avalanches. Above 2000' the new snow is mostly dry but we have very limited information about the avalanche conditions at upper elevations. What little information we have indicates that very large human triggered avalanches on buried weak layers roughly 3' deep are possible. In addition, smaller avalanches within the storm snow 1 to 2' deep are likely. We recommend carefully assessing the snowpack and adopting a conservative mindset about entering avalanche terrain.

    Strong winds accompanied the snowfall this week and built fresh wind slabs at upper elevations that could be 1+' deep. These are most likely found at upper elevations along ridgelines and convex features. Keep an eye out for signs of unstable conditions like shooting cracks or small avalanches on test slopes to evaluate the sensitivity of wind slab avalanches. 

    Additional hazards after this wet and stormy week include freshly loaded cornices and the potential for continued glide avalanche activity.

Regions covered