Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The Bottom Line
The hazard remains MODERATE above treeline. Steep upper elevation starting zones are of most concern. While it is getting more difficult to trigger avalanches the possibility still remains. Below treeline the snowpack continues to get more and more rotten where the hazard is LOW today.
It has been 4 days since a human triggered avalanche has been reported in the backcountry. Yesterday my partner and I had a hard time finding snow that was reactive to our ski cuts and stability tests in our snowpits. However, the snowpack in higher elevation starting zones continues to harbor a very weak base. The slabs that are sitting on this base have been deteriorating over the past week of clear and cold weather. As a result these slabs are becoming less reactive to the weight of a person or snowmachine. Keep in mind that the distribution of this slab varies widely as you move around the mountains; in some places the slab is non existent and in others it is fully intact. It is those areas with an intact slab that are of greatest concern. While it is getting more difficult to find these areas they are still out there and warrant an accurate assessment. Tracks on a slope do not guarantee that the snow is stable.
Clear, cool and dry weather will dominate our area today. Ridgetop winds will gust into the 20s and temps will warm to the teens.
Our next chance for precip looks to be early next week at best. Keep your fingers crossed!
Announcements
We would like to extend a special thanks to everyone who came out to support our avalanche center last night. Thank you to Wild Alpine, Alyeska Resort and the Friends of the CNFAIC for hosting this event. We here at the CNFAIC are excited to continue to deliver the info you need to make good decisions out in the backcountry!
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).
Wendy will issue the next advisory Friday morning, December 21st.
| 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 | ||
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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.
