Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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A CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists above treeline today where human triggered avalanches are likely on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. We have a complex avalanche problem in the backcountry and any avalanche triggered today has the potential to be large and dangerous. Below treeline the danger is MODERATE where the likelihood is lower but the possibility remains for triggering a slide.
It seems we are on the doorstep for clearing skies and a break in the past 15 days of stormy weather. If we don’t see the sun this afternoon we should by tomorrow morning. The good visibility should allow for travel out of the trees and into an enticing couple feet of fresh powder, which brings us to our primary concern – triggering a deep and dangerous slab avalanche.
To recap, we have had 122+” of snow fall in just over two weeks on very weak faceted snow formed in October and November. Large natural avalanches have been widespread along with one human triggered avalanche during these two weeks – all failing in the weak early season snow. Two deep slabs were pulled out yesterday with explosives and the low visibility kept any information hidden as to larger avalanches triggered by the 2-3’ of load added the past two days. The weak layer is now 4-8+’ deep and rarely giving us clues as to its instability – until it fails catastrophically. There is a lot of uncertainty as to how hard these deep slabs are to trigger at this point and we have very little information from above treeline. That said, these are potentially unsurvivable slides and warrant respect.
As we go into this clear period we cannot forget about this deeper weakness. Keeping terrain choices conservative, steering clear of large open committing slopes and slopes steeper than 35 degrees is recommended. Watching for and avoiding trigger points is also key – check out John’s great write up on that HERE. It is very easy to focus on the light powder, new wind slabs and forget about the dragon lurking below. This snowpack deserves patience.
The winds that have been blowing out of the east have died down overnight and should switch to a northwest direction today. There are likely a few lingering wind slabs from yesterday that have not stabilized yet to watch out for. These could be in the 1-4’ deep range. Also, due to the shift in wind watch for fresh slabs on easterly slopes (i.e., Seattle Ridge). Keeping an eye out for stiffer feeling snow as well as cracking and collapsing in the new snow are good clues as to finding a wind slab. There is also the possibility a wind slab could step down and trigger a deeper slab so be aware of the terrain you are in and how committing it is.
Snow totals at Turnagain Pass in the last 48 hours are 22 €, the past 24 hours has seen roughly 8-10 €. Expect higher amounts above treeline. Winds during the snowfall have been easterly averaging 20-30mph, gusting to the upper 40’s during this period while temperatures have decreased a few degrees and are near freezing at sea level this morning.
Today snow showers will continue to taper off and skies begin to clear as the low pressure it the Gulf moves east. There is a chance for an additional trace-2 €. Winds have died down dramatically overnight and will shift to the NW through the day picking up to 20mph on the ridges by this afternoon. Temperatures look to remain in the low 20’s F above treeline and low 30’s below.
A short lived ridge moving over us tomorrow will bring a break in the weather and our first dose of sunshine since just before Christmas Eve. An unsettled westerly flow will bump us back in the clouds and snow for Thursday and through the weekend.
Kevin will issue the next advisory on Wednesday, January 9th.
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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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.