Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations. Human triggered storm slab and loose snow avalanches remain likely today in steep terrain. Buried weak layers are now 2-3′ deep and avalanches have the potential to be large and dangerous. Careful route finding is essential.
SEWARD: This region also received new snow with wind. Caution is advised.
From Alaska DOT & PF: Today there will be intermittent traffic delays for avalanche hazard reduction on the Seward Highway from mile post 82 to 89 South of Girdwood from 8:00 am to 2:00 PM.
There will also be delays on the Portage Glacier Highway on for avalanche hazard reduction near Mile Post 4 to Bear Valley from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 pm. Motorists should expect delays of 45 minutes to one hour. Updates will be posted on the 511 system. http://511.alaska.gov/
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 |
New snow is so exciting but the snowpack needs time to adjust to the snow load. There are now three storms worth of snow sitting on the weak snow (facets and surface hoar) that formed over the long stretch of cold and clear weather. With the previous storms that buried the weak snow, the snow had not formed a slab and the snow was enjoyed without incident. Yesterday there were some storm ingredients that may have changed all that and increased the likelihood of triggering a large avalanche. Because of the additional snow, warming temperatures and sustained strong winds, 2-3′ thick slabs now sit over the buried weak layers just waiting for a trigger. This set-up must be guilty until proven innocent. Be on the lookout for signs of instability today. Have there been recent avalanches? There were some naturals observed yesterday. Are there shooting cracks from your skis or machine? An observer yesterday noted cracks shooting out 3 ft. Can you feel collapsing? Does the snow feel grabby or punchy (a sign of heavier snow over soft snow)? Can you see drifting and cornices? Is the snow wind effected? Slabs over facets and buried surface hoar also have the potential to be triggered remotely. What slopes are you traveling on and under? If you or your party gets stuck in the snow in avalanche terrain, don’t send another to dig out. The message today is choose your travel route carefully and be conservative. Don’t let the powder cloud your judgement! Today could be a good day to check out the snow at Alyeska or enjoy the powder in the Placer or Turnagain flats!
Loose snow avalanches: Observers yesterday noted deep snow, getting stuck and overall slow going. In areas where the snow remains protected and soft, loose snow avalanches are possible in steep terrain. These could be quite hazardous in terrain traps. Even a small avalanche could bury you deeply.
The snowpack at 2500′ on Tincan, 1.28.20. There is now another 1-2′ of snow on top of the buried weak layers. This is the concern today.
Yesterday: Snow fell throughout most of the day with showers continuing overnight with 5-10″ of accumulation. Easterly winds ramped up in the late afternoon blowing 20-30 mph and gusting into the 60s and 70s. Temperatures were in the teens to start and then rose into the 20Fs.
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with snow showers with the potential for a few inches of snow. Easterly winds will remain elevated this morning 10-20 mph with gusts into the 30s and become light this afternoon. Temperatures will be in the teens and low 20Fs. Skies remain cloudy overnight with light snow showers, light winds and temperatures dip back down to the single digits.
Tomorrow: Scattered snow showers, mostly cloudy skies, light north winds and temperatures in the low teens. The cooling trend continues into Saturday and then temperatures warm again as the pattern changes into early next week. Stay tuned!
PRECIPITATION 24-hour data (6am – 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Center Ridge (1880′) | 21 | 5 | .3 | 63 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 18 | 3 | .1 | 21 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 21 | 9 | .7 | 55 |
RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am – 6am)
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunburst (3812′) | 14 | NE | 23 | 73 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 18 | E | 10 | 34 |
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 |
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Glacier District |
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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.