Wed, December 11, 2013 Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

Wed, December 11th, 2013

Alpine
Above 2,500'

Low (1)

Treeline
1,000'-2,500'

Low (1)

Below Treeline
Below 1,000'

Low (1)

Alpine Above 2,500'		Low (1)
Treeline 1,000'-2,500'		Low (1)
Below Treeline Below 1,000'		Low (1)

Danger Scale:

No Rating (0)

Low (1)

Moderate (2)

Considerable (3)

High (4)

Extreme (5)

Avalanche Problem 1

Normal Caution

Normal Caution

Normal Caution means triggering an avalanche is unlikely but not impossible.

More info at Avalanche.org

The recent cold temperatures, after the early December warm spell, have essentially tied the surface of our snowpack together with a crust. The crust is unsupportable in most areas and breaking through into the weak sugar snow below can make skiing and riding challenging. You can see a few recent observations discussing this HERE and HERE.

Again, the main hazards in the backcountry are rocks and other objects near the snow surface. I would also argue that an additional hazard is negotiating the ‘ankle grabbing’ surface crust.

Snowpack Discussion:
A layer of surface hoar has formed on the top of our snowpack during the past few days. This is anchored to the crust that caps the snowpack and forms a surface hoar/crust combination. Though the combo not dangerous now, it will have our attention when we get our next shot of snow and a slab forms on top.

Surface hoar on Seattle Ridge (2,500′). Photo: Fitz Surface hoar on breakable crust near Ingram Creek. Photo: Bob Sutherland

Weather

Wed, December 11th, 2013

During the past 24-hours we have been on the north side of a large low pressure system sitting well to our south. This has brought cloud cover but no precipitation to our zone. Temperatures have been in the 20’s F at most locations and wind light from the southeast.

This pattern will remain through the day before it breaks down and colder air ushers in from the north tomorrow. We can expect partly cloudy skies today with temperatures remaining in the mid to upper 20’s F across the board. We do have a chance for a few flurries. Winds will be light and variable before turning northeast tonight with the approach of the colder polar air. Wednesday we should see skies clear and temperatures in the teens and single digits with light northerly winds.

If you have read this far in the advisory you may be happy to hear that a shift in our weather pattern is coming this weekend. Confidence looks to be high at the NWS that a decent precipitation event is headed our way. Let’s cross our fingers the models are right. See their full discussion HERE.

Observations

Recent Observations for Turnagain Pass

Date	Region	Location	Observer
01/25/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Seattle Ridge	Wagner / Keeler Forecaster
01/24/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Tincan	Wagner / AJB Forecaster
01/23/22	Turnagain	Observation: Pete’s North	Sykes / Sullivan / Stiegel Forecaster
01/21/22	Turnagain	Observation: Tincan	Sykes / Mehl
01/20/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Tincan Proper	Anonymous
01/20/22	Turnagain	Observation: Super Bowl	Schauer/ Rothman Forecaster
01/20/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Tincan	Kit Barton
01/20/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Eddies	Andy Moderow
01/19/22	Turnagain	Observation: Lynx Creek	Sykes / Schauer Forecaster
01/19/22	Turnagain	Avalanche: Pete’s North	Anonymous

Riding Areas

Updated Wed, December 01st, 2021

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
Johnson Pass	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Placer River	Open	Open as of Dec 1st. Limited parking due to Portage curve construction.
Skookum Drainage	Open	Open as of Dec 1st. Limited parking due to Portage curve construction.
Turnagain Pass	Open	Open as of Saturday, Nov 27. Be aware of early season hazards (alders/creeks) and open water.
Twentymile	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Seward District
Carter Lake	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Lost Lake Trail	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Primrose Trail	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Resurrection Pass Trail	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Snug Harbor	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
South Fork Snow River Corridor	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.
Summit Lake	Open	Open as of Dec 1st.