Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The Bottom Line
Fresh wind slabs above tree line coupled with our deep slab potential will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE today. Below tree line the avalanche danger is trending toward LOW as we see temperatures and the rain/ snow line descend throughout the day.
Snowfall and winds above tree line were not exceptionally impressive yesterday and overnight but consistent enough to build tender, shallow wind slabs throughout the day. Snow falling at ridge top locations was dense, though easily transportable by the moderate southeasterly winds. Expect wind slabs to form on north and west aspects above tree line where small human triggered avalanches will be possible today. Below the rain/ snow line where wind slabs have not formed there is a generally low avalanche danger. Yesterday that level was about 1700’ in the Turnagain pass area. We should see that dropping to around 1000’ today.
Cornices are growing quite large in the forecast area with one natural failure noted on Magnum last week that resulted in an avalanche. The moderate winds and dense snow will continue to add weight and mass to these backcountry bombs. It is wise to recognize cornices and give them a wide berth when travelling through the mountains.
As we continue to add weight to our snowpack we cannot forget about the deep slab issue we are dealing with this winter. It’s unlikely a person will trigger a deep slab avalanche today however; either of the previous mentioned issues (wind slabs and cornice fall) can act as the catalyst to affect deeper weak layers resulting in a cataclysmic deep slap avalanche.
Below about 1800′ we have continued to lose depth in our snowpack due to warm temperatures and precipitation falling mostly as rain the past several days. Overnight, temperatures have begun a downward slide and we will see our rain/ snow line descend back to sea level by Friday evening.
Today we can expect 1-2 € of new snow with winds shifting from east to southwesterly, calming by this evening. For the weekend, temperatures appear to be more of what we come to expect for January in Alaska in the 10 €“ 20 degree range.
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Fitz will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning, January 25th.
| 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.
