Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Overall our snowpack has good stability. The only concerns we’ve been seeing are in the layers near the surface – in the top 2 feet. Some areas at higher elevation that received more snow recently in addition to wind loading could have pockets of triggerable wind slab.
Watch out for specific wind loaded features. Small and shallow 1-2 foot deep avalanches are possible.
Most areas that have not been affected by wind loading will have a low avalanche danger today.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Craig Patterson, a Utah Department of Transportation avalanche forecaster who died yesterday. Check the Utah Avalanche Center website for the latest information on this tragic event.
Recent Activity
We got a report yesterday of a skier triggered avalanche on Raggedtop in Girdwood. The slide was up to 2 feet deep, 50-75 feet wide, and large enough to bury a person. See the full description on the observations page.
The wind slab problem has been evident over the last few days in specific wind loaded areas. Keep in mind that this issue is not found everywhere, but should be expected on certain terrain features. Wendy’s picture from yesterday is a good example of terrain that holds the wind slab potential.
With an increased north wind expected in the weather forecast today, we will see more of that soft light surface snow blowing around and creating more wind slab. This problem is going to get a little worse today.
Yesterday we were able to get soft snow to sluff in steep terrain. It was fairly low volume, but should be expected on steep slopes and channeled terrain such as chutes and couloirs.
Sluffing is not likely to carry enough volume to bury a person, but it could be dangerous in very steep or high consequence terrain.
Sunny skies are forecasted today. Temperatures this morning are in the single digits, with an expected daytime warming into the mid 20s. A north wind should increase today with channeled outflow wind accelerating through some specific areas. Turnagain Pass will see wind from 12-28 mph. Seward could reach 40mph, and Whittier could see gusts to 60mph.
Fitz will issue the next advisory tomorrow morning, April 13th.
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.