Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The Bottom Line
The avalanche hazard is LOW above and below treeline. There exists the possibility of triggering shallow pockets of wind slab in upper elevation starting zones. In those isolated locations the hazard will be MODERATE today.
The weather pattern over the past day has left Turnagain Pass with little to show for in the way of new snow. Because of this and the current/forecasted weather, the snowpack is stable in most areas. It’s important to remember that LOW hazard does not mean NO hazard. While it would take an unusual event to produce an avalanche today, there are some issues to pay attention to:
Isolated pockets of wind slab. The small amount of new snow that has fallen over the weekend sits on slick crusts on south aspects and surface hoar and facets on north aspects above ~3,500′. With 2-3″ of new snow & moderate winds forecasted for today, expect pockets up to 6″ deep in leeward starting zones and above cross loaded gullies. These slabs should not be a problem on their own, but could pose problems for people above terrain traps or in exposed terrain.
Cornices. Keep your distance from cornices today. Some of the largest avalanches we have seen in the region over the last month have been related to cornice fall.
Wet loose avalanches will be possible in the lower elevations as the temperatures rise. These will be small in volume and more likely if the sun makes an apperance.
The mountains around Eastern Turnagain arm picked up ~2-3″ of new snow over the past 24 hours. Winds at the Sunburst weather station (3,812′) averaged 11 mph out of the SE. Temperatures there averaged 16.8 degrees F.
Today expect a mix of sun and cloudy skies with another 2-3″ of snow possible. Temperatures at 1,000′ will be in the low to mid 30s F. Ridgetop winds will pick up slightly and blow 15mph out of the S.
The extended outlook calls for a continuation of unsettled weather as we head into the early part of the week.
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Wendy will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning, April 8th.
| Date | Region | Location | Observer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/20/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Johnston-Bloom / Roberts Forecaster |
| 01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Cornbiscuit | Schauer/ Johnston-Bloom Forecaster |
| 01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Sunburst and Tincan | CNFAIC Staff |
| 01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | CNFAIC Staff |
| 01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan 2900′ SW aspect below Hippy Bowl. | Kris Marshall |
| 01/18/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Turnagain Pass Road Obs. | A Schauer Forecaster |
| 01/16/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan Trees | A Schauer Forecaster |
| 01/15/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Schauer/ Wunnicke Forecaster |
| 01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Johnston-Bloom / Moderow Forecaster |
| 01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Center Ridge Meadows | Alaska Avalanche School Rec Level 1 Roberts |
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.
