Bollettino valanghe

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 7 months ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

We are six days out from a major snow event that caused many natural and human-triggered avalanches across the forecast area.  While natural avalanches will be less likely today, there is still a serious risk of triggering large avalanches above 1,000'.  These may be triggered remotely from adjacent terrain or low-angle slopes connected to steeper terrain.  Cautious route finding and conservative decision making for skiers and snowmachiners is essential today, given the current persistent slab avalanche problem.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    2–3

    Recent avalanches: January 16th- 17th was the peak of avalanche activity across all forecast zones, with dozens of natural and human-triggered avalanches recorded from Anchorage to Seward. Additionally, the avalanche pictured here was noted in an observation from Lost Lake on Monday.  

    Persistent slab avalanches are responsible for the majority of accidents and fatalities among backcountry users.  Tracking and identifying weak layers isn't the difficult part.  The crust/ facet combo we're dealing with is well documented and easy to identify, particularly in the 1,500 to 2,500' range, where it shows up as a solid grey line 2 to 4' below the surface.  Above ~ 2,500', where the crust begins to thin and disappear, we still have very weak snow causing large, connected avalanches.  Predicting when and where backcountry users will affect these weak layers is the part that proves challenging, particularly the further we get from a loading event.  Shooting cracks or whumpfing in the snow may not present the obvious red flags they did a week ago, but understand that if you're out in the backcountry today, that persistent weak layer responsible for remote-triggered avalanches as recently as yesterday exists 2 to 4' below your sled track. 

    Fortunately, there are some ways to mitigate this avalanche problem, as this is likely to be a concern for some time.  Sticking to low-angle (simple) terrain with no overhead hazard is a good strategy.  This means parking sleds well away from the toe of slopes.  If you do find yourself stepping into more complex terrain, maintaining safe travel habits will be key.  This means spacing out, exposing only one person at a time to avalanche terrain, and keeping eyes on your partners.  Be rescue ready and consider the consequences if a slope does slide.  Small slopes that end in terrain traps can be deadly.

    Wind Slabs: Forecast zones saw moderate to strong winds on Sunday/ Monday, moving a significant amount of snow around, particularly in the upper elevations.  It's possible someone could trigger a stubborn wind slab today with the potential to step down into deeper layers mentioned above.

    (1/19/2026)

    This is a prime example of small terrain that can have deadly consequences if a rider were to end up at the bottom of this gully.

    Photo submitted anonymously

Regioni coperte