Turnagain Pass

WELCOME to the 2020/2021 winter season!!

The snow-line is creeping down the mountainsides and that means the CNFAIC is getting ready for another fantastic winter season! The Avalanche Center is gearing up currently and we will begin issuing intermittent snow, weather and avalanche updates as conditions warrant through mid-November. Daily avalanche forecasts are planned to begin during Thanksgiving weekend – pending an unseasonable chilly fall, which would  demand an earlier start.

*Don’t forget to keep tabs on current events/information on Facebook and Instagram!!*

Early season snow enthusiasts: Please send us your snow/avalanche reports so we can post them on our observation page! Simply click ‘submit observation’ under the Observation tab above. This is a huge benefit for the community and our forecasters.

Remember, early season avalanches happen. Snow has already fallen at Hatcher Pass and the upper Girdwood Valley.
A very shallow snowpack with rocks protruding can give us a false sense of security. As we embark on this season, let’s remember to be aware and prepared, returning to the parking lot and our family and friends is #1.

This is a great time to make sure your avalanche rescue gear is in order. This means:
– Your shovel and probe assemble properly and no parts are rusted and/or worn out.
– Your beacon has fresh batteries and your terminals are not corroded.
– Brush up on how to use your avalanche beacon – turn it on, does it pick up another beacon properly and vice versa?
– And, don’t forget to check out the upcoming avalanche courses in your area!

Mark your calendars: EVENTS APPROACHING QUICKLY!!

Friday, November 6:
Southcentral Alaska Avalanche Workshop (SAAW)
2pm – 5pm, VIRTUAL. Join us for the 8th annual SAAW. Alaska’s Southcentral avalanche community will team up with snow professionals from around the region and Canada to share their knowledge. This is a ‘must attend’ event for avalanche professionals and an excellent way for recreational backcountry users to delve into advanced avalanche topics!

Cost is $15 for the live online zoom session. A recorded version will be available after the event to view free of charge. Full schedule and registration at akavalancheworkshop.org.

Thursday, Nov 19:
Snow Stories VIRTUAL!  Details COMING SOON.