Turnagain Pass

Welcome back to winter! This is Kevin Wright with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center on Tuesday, October 25th. We’ve noticed that snow is flying and avalanche conditions are starting to become a problem once again. The current conditions are worth a quick discussion.

We’ve been getting ski reports over the last several weeks. The true die-hards are already finding turns around Crow Pass, Turnagain Pass, Hatcher Pass, and in Chugach State Park. If there is enough snow to ski, then there is enough snow to avalanche. The storm today is really going to accelerate the possibility of avalanches in the backcountry. Turnagain Pass has already seen more than an inch of water in the last 12 hours. Currently there is high wind and heavy rain in Girdwood and Turnagain Arm. Expect the rain/snow line to be below 1000 feet. Check out the current radar image showing the precipitation in Prince William Sound and Turnagain ARM:

A storm with this much intensity will cause the standard storm-snow avalanche problems. All the same avalanche rules apply, even in early season. We can expect natural avalanche activity to be possible while this storm continues, and human triggered avalanches will be likely. If you get out in the backcountry be sure to carry your beacon, shovel, and probe; keep your partner close; and manage your travel routes carefully.

We will be updating this advisory on an irregular basis until we have the resources to resume a daily schedule. Check back for updates and keep sending us your observations from the backcountry.