Avalanche Advisory
Monday, March 16th 2015 6:54 am by John Fitzgerald ARCHIVED ADVISORY - All advisories expire after 24 hours from the posting date/time. |

The avalanche danger will climb to HIGH in the Alpine and CONSIDERABLE at Treeline by the end of the day. Slabs up to 18” thick will be very sensitive to human triggers and could release naturally.
Dangerous conditions exist and require advanced travel and snowpack assessment skills. Avalanches have the potential to run through multiple elevation bands. Because of this, awareness of terrain looming overhead will be critical today and is why the danger will be MODERATE below Treeline in big channeled terrain.
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Travel Advice: Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended. |
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Travel Advice: Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious routefinding and conservative decision-making essential. |
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Travel Advice: Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. |
An avalanche accident involving a snowmachiner occurred over the weekend near Denali National Park. Our thoughts are with the patient for a full recovery. More details can be found HERE.
Rapid loading as a result of new snow and wind will create unstable conditions today. Slabs will vary in size and be thickest, up to 18” on leeward slopes. With wind speeds over 40 mph expect loading to occur lower down on slopes and in areas that are normally protected from the wind.
The danger will be more in the MODERATE range in general this morning. That will change quickly as the day progresses. Becasue of this it will be important to pay attention to rapidly changing conditions and pick your terrain carefully.
Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing are key indicators of unstable snow. These signs should dictate where you travel today. In other words, avoid avalanche terrain if and when you begin noticing these signs.
Travel in the Alpine elevations is not recommended for the latter part of the day.
Low pressure currently centered over the Alaska Peninsula has brought precip, wind and warmer temps to the area. Temperatures over the last 24 hours have seen a dramatic rise with ridgetops moving from 0 to 20 deg F. Winds have picked up in a similar dramatic fashion, with ridegtops reporting speeds in the 35-40mph range this morning. Storm totals so far are in the 5”/.4” (snow/H20) range.
Today expect snow to be heavy at times with up to 10”/.9” (snow/H20) of additional accumulation by the evening. Winds will be strong out of the East at 30-40mph. Temperatures will be in the low 30s F at 1,000’. Rain/snow line will hover between 500-1,000’.
Precipitation will taper off late this evening. Cloudy and showery conditions will continue through Tuesday with another round of significant precipitation on Wednesday.
PRECIPITATION 24-hour data (6am - 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880') | 21 | 5 | .3 | 47 |
Summit Lake (1400') | 22 | 1 | .1 | 9 |
Alyeska Mid (1700') | 21 | 6 | .4 | 31 |
RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am - 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812') | 12 | ENE | 26 | 76 |
Seattle Ridge(2400') | 15 | na | 24 | 48 |
This is a general backcountry avalanche advisory issued for Turnagain Arm with Turnagain Pass as the core advisory area (this advisory does not apply to highways, railroads, or operating ski areas).
Riding status is not associated with avalanche danger. An area will be open to motorized use in accordance to the Forest Management Plan when snow coverage is adequate to protect underlying vegetation. Backcountry hazards including avalanche hazard are always present regardless of the open status of motorized use areas.
(Updated: Jan 28, 2019 )
AREA | STATUS | WEATHER AND RIDING CONDITIONS |
Glacier District | ||
Johnson Pass: | Open | |
Placer River: | Open | |
Skookum Drainage: | Open | |
Turnagain Pass: | Open | |
Twentymile: | Closed | |
Seward District | ||
Carter Lake: | Open | |
Lost Lake Trail: | Open | Please stay on trail to avoid resource damage through forested areas. |
Primrose Trail: | Open | Please stay on trail to avoid resource damage through forested areas. |
Resurrection Pass Trail: | Closed | Closed for the 2018/19 season. Next season will be open to motorized use. |
Snug Harbor: | Open | |
South Fork Snow River Corridor: | Open | |
Summit Lake: | Open |
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SNOW AND AVALANCHE HOTLINE (907) 754-2369 If you have comments or questions regarding CNFAIC operations or winter recreation management, please email staff@chugachavalanche.org
© 2019 Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center. All rights reserved. |
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