Bollettino valanghe

Turnagain Pass and Girdwood

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

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

In sintesi

There is a chance of triggering a large avalanche 2 to 3’ deep on a layer of buried surface hoar. This is still a scary layer where the safest option is to stick to lower angle terrain away from steep slopes above you. Try to avoid spending time under glide cracks because they have been releasing into large glide avalanches across the region. Warm temperatures will make it likely to trigger wet loose avalanches on sunny slopes. The safest option is to move to shadier aspects in the afternoon. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A layer of surface hoar buried 1 to 3’ deep is still capable of creating a large avalanche. This type of weak layer is notorious for taking months to heal which is unusual to a lot of us. Usually weak layers tend to gain strength faster but this has not been the case for this layer which has been responsible for many human triggered avalanches. 

    A new development is that a stout crust has formed on the surface up to 2,000’ which can make us feel safer. The truth is that we are unsure how true this is, especially if the crust is thin in some spots, doesn't freeze overnight or melts in the afternoon. Do not bet this crust will keep you safe. We still have a weak layer under a slab that is capable of triggering an avalanche.

    When the snowpack is dangerous the safest option is to avoid traveling on or below steep slopes. If you do decide to venture into steep terrain, look for slopes that fan out and do not have terrain traps such as gullies or creeks where snow can pile up. People have triggered avalanches above them from relatively flat terrain. Human-triggered avalanches on this weak layer have occurred on slopes with many tracks on them so do not assume these slopes are safe.

    (3/21/2025)

    Overview of the two avalanches that were believe to have been triggered by a rider ascending the Headwall of Seattle Creek.

    Photo: CNFAIC Staff

  • Glide Cracks

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

    Warm temperatures have arrived and with that we have seen many glide cracks releasing into large glide avalanches. These have been running to valley bottoms where people may be traveling. Glide cracks can release spontaneously into a large avalanche so the safest option is to avoid traveling under them. 

    Wet Loose Avalanches have been releasing naturally and will be easy to trigger on sunny slopes (east, south, west) as temperatures warm up. These may release from a point and get larger as they carry more snow down the slope or trigger a small slab avalanche. Seek shadier slopes if you find yourself in the sun and see rollerballs releasing. Worst case scenario, one of these avalanches could trigger a large avalanche on a buried weak layer. 

    Cornices tend to start falling in the spring and could trigger an avalanche from above. As the temperatures warm up in the afternoon try to avoid spending time underneath cornices especially if you are on sunny slopes and give them a lot of room on ridgelines. 

    (3/27/2025)

    Recent glide and wet loose avalanches on the south side of Tincan.

    Photo: Andrew Schauer

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