Bollettino valanghe

Seward and Lost Lake

Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center
Vedi sulla mappa

Pericolo valanghe

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

In sintesi

We are issuing a Special Avalanche Bulletin today because of the potential for large human triggered avalanches on a buried weak layer 1-2' deep. We recommend sticking to low angle terrain and avoiding slopes that are connected to steeper terrain. Many human triggered avalanches have occurred on this weak layer in the past week, and conditions remain dangerous. 

___________________________________

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

We are sorry to report a fatal avalanche accident that occurred outside of Girdwood on the afternoon of March 4, 2025. Three people were caught and killed in an avalanche in the west fork of the Twentymile River. Ongoing recovery efforts are being coordinated by the Alaska State Troopers. We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and families of all parties involved. We have posted a preliminary accident report on our website. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1.5–3

    Recent Avalanches: Several large natural avalanches were observed from a distance around Seward, indicating that the Valentine's Day buried surface hoar is widespread in the Seward and Lost Lake forecast area. Also, a few more avalanches released on Seattle Ridge yesterday. One was intentionally triggered by a cornice fall in warm up bowl, and another had an unknown trigger in main bowl.

    The weather should be quiet again today, but we are still very concerned about the potential for large human triggered avalanches on a layer of buried surface hoar about 1-2' deep. Field observations have shown a mixed bag of highly unstable results where the buried surface hoar exists and relatively stable results elsewhere. That is typical for this type of weak layer, and this is part of the reason it is easy to let your guard down. Persistent weak layers often show no signs of instability and can lull you into a false sense of security before producing large avalanches. 

    We recommend continuing to practice patience and adopt a conservative mindset by traveling on low angle slopes and being aware of the potential to remotely trigger avalanches on adjacent steeper slopes. This type of weak layer is notorious for causing avalanches on lower angle slopes than normal and can pull the carpet out from underneath you if you are on a low angle slope connected to steeper terrain below.

    In addition to the persistent slabs, we could see cornice falls near ridgelines and loose snow avalanches on the surface. If the sun comes out today, natural loose snow avalanches on steep southern aspects could be a concern. Glide avalanches are also still on our radar. We recommend keeping an eye out for glide cracks and trying to avoid spending time underneath them.

    (3/6/2025)

    Zoomed in photo of large slab on west face of mountain south of Mt. Alice

    Photo: Mik Dalpes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Wind slabs 1-2' deep forming today and lingering wind slabs from the stormy conditions on Wednesday could be an issue at upper elevations today. Today's winds are expected to be strongest in coastal areas near Seward and may not impact the areas around Lost Lake or Snug Harbor. To identify areas with wind slabs, you can keep an eye out for shooting cracks and use test slopes to check how well the new snow is bonding to the old snow surface. It is possible that a small wind slab avalanche could step down onto a buried weak layer and create a much larger avalanche. 

Regioni coperte