Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join Wild Alpine and the Friends of the CNFAIC for the Girdwood Premier of TGR’s new film “The Dream Factory” – with scenes shot at Alyeska and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. This is a fundraiser for the CNFAIC and takes place at the Sitzmark Bar & Grill – Alyeska Resort. More details HERE.
BOTTOM LINE
A MODERATE danger exists above treeline for today. Avalanche activity has quieted down in the backcountry. Despite flurries and increased winds in the forecast, it does not look like this will affect the overall hazard significantly. The potential still remains for triggering avalanches in steep wind loaded terrain. Below treeline the danger is LOW, where there is not enough of a slab to be of concern and avalanches are unlikely.
While it has been almost a week since new slabs have formed, we are still seeing isolated areas with slabs that are reactive to the weight of a person. While avalanche activity has been on the decline, the potential remains for human triggered avalanches in steep upper elevation terrain. Yesterday was the first day with no reported human triggered avalanches in the last week. Several parties experienced collapsing in areas that had not previously seen traffic. This is an obvious sign of unstable snow. Snowpits from yesterday showed us that the potential remains for avalanches, if triggered, could propagate and entrain enough snow to injure or bury someone. While it’s easy to get complacent with a lack of obvious avalanche activity, remember that there is very weak snow lurking below the surface.
Look for winds to increase in the mountains today. With a limited amount of snow available for transport coupled with a trace of new snow, the chance exists for the formation of small new wind slabs. If you are observing wind blowing out of the east right in front of you, expect nearby west facing slopes to be receiving a new load of snow.
The clear and cold weather of the last several days will be replaced by clouds, wind and warmer temps today. A low pressure system moving south into the Gulf will skirt South Central Alaska. Look for flurries starting midday with accumulations of up to an inch of snow. Winds shifted overnight and are now blowing out of the east. Look for ridgetop winds to pick up for part of the day today with gusts in the 30-40 mph range. Temps will warm into the balmy teens today!
The longer term outlook shows a return to clear and dry conditions.
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).
Kevin will issue the next advisory Wednesday morning, December 19th.
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.