Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
|
![]() ![]() |
Signal Word | Size (D scale) | Simple Descriptor |
Small | 1 | Unlikely to bury a person |
Large | 2 | Can bury a person |
Very Large | 3 | Can destroy a house |
Historic | 4 & 5 | Can destroy part or all of a village |
Yesterday the forecast wind and snow did not materialize. However, winds on Sunday and Sunday night were strong enough to blow the light surface snow around and winds may be gusty at times today at upper elevations. Winds have already bumped up a bit this morning. Today it will be important to watch for blowing snow and wind slabs in steep wind exposed terrain near ridgetops, on convex rollovers, or in cross-loaded gullies. Look for stiff wind affected snow and cracking in the snow around you. Even a small wind slab triggered in high consequence zones can be quite dangerous if you get knocked off your feet. As always, keep a close eye on the surface conditions and know your escape routes if a small slab happens to break under you.
Cornices: Give cornices plenty of room and limit your time traveling below them.
Sluffs: Be aware of loose snow avalanches moving in steeper terrain wherever there is soft snow at the surface. With enough volume these can pick up momentum, enough to carry a person, and can be particularly dangerous if you are caught above terrain traps like cliffs, rocks, or gullies.
Yesterday: Skies were cloudy with very light snow showers and a trace of accumulation. Temperatures were in the 20°Fs and winds were easterly 5-15 mph with gusts into the 20s. Overnight skies remained cloudy with a continued very light dusting of snow, temperatures remained in the 20°Fs and winds were easterly 5-10 mph with gusts into the high teens.
Today: Mostly cloudy skies becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon and a chance of scattered snow showers. Winds will be easterly 5-15 mph with gusts into the 20s and 30s and temperatures will be in the 20°Fs. Tonight skies will be partly cloudy becoming mostly cloudy with snow showers likely early Wednesday morning. Temperatures will remain in the 20°Fs and easterly winds continue, 5-15 mph with gusts into the 20s increasing in the early morning hours on Wednesday.
Tomorrow: Snow and rain showers are likely as the temperatures rise into the 30°Fs at sea level and high 20°Fs at upper elevations as the next storm moves into the region with some warmer air. Easterly winds will increase to 15-25 mph with gusts into the 40s. Rain and snow with some periods of heavy precipitation and elevated winds are forecast through Thursday.
PRECIPITATION 24-hour data (6am – 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Center Ridge (1880′) | 27 | trace | 0 | 74 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 25 | trace | 0 | 30 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 26 | trace | 0 | 78 |
RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am – 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunburst (3812′) | 19 | E | 9 | 27 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 23 | E | 4 | 15 |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
---|---|---|---|
05/22/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Nick D'Alessio |
05/12/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan, Sunburst, Magnum, Cornbiscuit | Heather Thamm |
05/07/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan – Bear Tracks | CNFAIC Staff |
05/05/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Seattle Ridge | AS/ WW Forecaster |
05/02/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Cornbiscuit | Schauer/ Sturgess Forecaster |
05/02/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Seward Hwy Turnagain Pass | Joel Curtis |
04/30/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Magnum | Ayla, Kit Crosby, Barton |
04/29/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | John Sykes |
04/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Taylor Pass/Pastoral | Schauer/ Creighton Forecaster |
04/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Andy Moderow |
Status of riding areas across the Chugach NF is managed by the Glacier and Seward Ranger Districts, not avalanche center staff. Riding area information is posted as a public service to our users and updated based on snow depth and snow density to prevent resource damage at trailhead locations. Riding area questions contact: mailroom_r10_chugach@fs.fed.us
Area | Status | Weather & Riding Conditions |
---|---|---|
Glacier District |
Subscribe to Turnagain Pass
Avalanche Forecast by Email
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.