Summit & Central Kenai Mtns

Recent Avalanches: The last known avalanche in the Summit area was a glide avalanche on Fresno Mtn on Jan 20. Glide avalanches were also seen last weekend on Fresno Mtn, Gilpatrick South and Summit Peak.

Weather Recap: Last weekend clouds moved in on Sunday and a trace of snow fell in Summit Pass. Otherwise, a high pressure has been bringing cold temperatures and clear skies throughout the week. Winds have been light from the north along ridgetops. Temperatures were frigid with Summit Lake reporting -20 F! An inversion has been keeping temperatures at higher elevations a little more pleasant, in the mid-teens.

Weather Forecast: Some clouds should move in over the weekend possibly bringing a trace of snow on Sunday evening. Winds are forecast to be light, 0-5 mph, with the possibility of 10 mph near ridges. These winds will shift from the west on Saturday to the north on Sunday. Unfortunately, temperatures are expected to stay below zero F with Saturday having a low of -10 F and Sunday a low of -15 F.

There is a possibility a storm may arrive on Sunday evening and extend through Monday that may bring snow to the Kenai Peninsula. If this storm verifies, we may receive as much as a foot of new snow or more in the Summit area.

Glide avalanches releasing on Summit Peaks east face. Photo by Hannah Smith 1.20.2024

Glide cracks continue to open and release in the Summit area creating large avalanches. Last weekend a new glide crack opened on Fresno Mtn, likely on 1.20, that is close to where people commonly ski. These avalanches have typically been located mid-slope and can send debris to lower elevations.  Because these glide cracks can release spontaneously, it is safer to navigate around them as you travel in the backcountry. If you have to travel below them, limit exposure by traveling one at a time or spacing out and moving as efficiently as possible.

Fresno Mtn with numerous glide cracks and avalanches. The glide crack on the left opened around Jan. 20 and is close to where people ski down. 1.21.2024

Facets above and below the Thanksgiving crust and weak facets buried at the ground are two layers we are keeping our eye on. In the past several weeks there have been no known avalanches on these weak layers. Areas that we are watching include higher elevations and shallower snowpacks. These layers are not likely to cause an avalanche, but if you are heading into steep terrain, keep this in mind.

There is a possibility that a weather pattern may bring snow Sunday evening extending into Monday to the Summit area. This would be falling on weak surfaces. If we get a lot of snow in the mountains, the avalanche danger will increase as we expect avalanches to release naturally. Keep this in mind if you pursue fresh snow next week. Generally, it is advised to avoid traveling in or above avalanche terrain until after the snow has time to adjust to the load.