Bollettino valanghe

Continental

Valdez Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
3 · Marcato
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In sintesi

The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations.  Strong southerly winds and heavy snowfall above 2000 feet with rain at low elevations have elevated the avalanche hazard.  Human triggered avalanches are likely 1-3 feet in depth.  Natural avalanches are possible.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm slabs 1-3 feet in depth will exist above 2000' that will be sensitive to human triggers on slopes steeper than 30°.  The depth of storm slabs will depend upon wind redistribution and proximity to the coast.  Higher snowfall amounts are expected in the Port of Valdez with lesser amounts as you move inland.

    Temperatures are currently decreasing among most of our weather stations which should create right side up storm slabs in wind protected areas once everything has time to settle out.  In the meantime, expect to find instabilities within the storm slab and at the interface as density changes likely exist.  Areas where southerly winds have created deeper and stiffer slabs will be the most prone to human triggers today.  Pay attention to the depth and stiffness of the new snow.  Stiffer snow at the surface will indicate wind loaded snow that will be more prone to triggers. Watch for signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing that would indicate unstable snow.

    If you venture out into the mountains today use cautious route finding, conservative terrain choices, and maintain good communication with your group only exposing one person at a time to slopes steeper than 30°.  Human triggered avalanches are expected to be likely today 1-3 feet in depth and natural avalanches are possible.  

     

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Likely
    Dimensione
    1–3

    Heavy rain on snow below 2000' produced significant wet loose natural avalanche activity yesterday with multiple D2-2.5's observed in the Port of Valdez through Keystone canyon.  Snowslide gulch produced a natural D3 that ran to the river, with the start zone elevation unknown.

    The upper snowpack below 2000' is now saturated making wet loose human triggered and natural avalanche activity likely today.  The size of these slides will directly correlate with slope angle and vertical relief of the slope involved.  Avoid exposing yourself to or traveling on large slopes steeper than 30°.  Even small slopes have the potential of making dangerous wet loose slides if they end in a terrain trap like a creek bottom.

    Temperatures are expected to fall below the freezing mark at some point today for low elevations which should put an end to natural activity.  Human triggered wet loose activity will remain possible as snow takes a longer time to refreeze than you may expect especially if it becomes insulated by new snowfall.

Avalanche Discussion

We look to be about halfway through a significant snow/rain event with multiple waves of energy ejecting off a deep Bering Sea low.  Yesterday rain line hovered near 2000', the base of road run on south side and Worthington Glacier on the north.  Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied this storm at mid and upper elevations and are expected to increase overnight.  1-2 feet of new snowfall is expected to exist above 2000', with the highest amounts towards the coast.  An additional 1-3 feet of snow is expected over the next 36 hours with decreasing temperatures and a chance for snowfall to return to sea level.  Precipitation will likely slow and may even stop for a while this morning before returning this afternoon and becoming heavy overnight.

Freshly forming storm slabs up to 3 feet in depth are expected to be sensitive to human triggers, especially in wind loaded areas and convex terrain.  Allow the snowpack time to adjust to its new load.  Conservative terrain choices are recommended for today.

Glide cracks have been observed in all three forecast zones.   Some of these have recently been obscured by new snowfall, making them more difficult to identify.   Avoid traveling beneath these as full depth avalanches can release unexpectedly.

Valdez season snowfall: 240  inches

Valdez February snowfall: 34 inches

Valdez height of snowpack: 84 inches

Thompson Pass snowfall data is currently unavailable

46 mile height of snowpack: N/O

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