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Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast RSS

Archives
ARCHIVED FORECAST - All forecasts expire after 24 hours from the posting date/time.
Issued
Wed, December 11th, 2013 - 7:00AM
Expires
Thu, December 12th, 2013 - 7:00AM
Forecaster
Wendy Wagner
The Bottom Line

We continue to have an overall  LOW  avalanche danger in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass. Avalanche activity is unlikely. The main concerns for backcountry travelers are conditions associated with an early season and thin snow cover.

This advisory will extend through tomorrow, Wednesday. The next advisory will be Thursday morning, December 12th.

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Wed, December 11th, 2013
Alpine
Above 2,500'
Low (1)
Avalanche risk
Treeline
1,000'-2,500'
Low (1)
Avalanche risk
Below Treeline
Below 1,000'
Low (1)
Avalanche risk
Alpine
Above 2,500'		 Avalanche risk
Low (1)
Treeline
1,000'-2,500'		 Avalanche risk
Low (1)
Below Treeline
Below 1,000'		 Avalanche risk
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
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
05/06/20 Turnagain Avalanche: Pastoral Peak, north face Andy Duenow
04/10/20 Turnagain Avalanche: Wolverine Mike Records
04/10/20 Turnagain Observation: Eddies lookers right shoulder Matt Yoder
04/09/20 Turnagain Observation: Bench Peak Mike Records
04/04/20 Turnagain Observation: Tincan Anonymous
04/04/20 Turnagain Observation: Pete’s North Anonymous
03/26/20 Turnagain Avalanche: Tincan – Proper (SW facing) CNFAIC Staff
03/26/20 Turnagain Avalanche: Seattle Ridge W Wagner Forecaster
03/25/20 Turnagain Avalanche: Sunburst Uptrack @ 2000′ J. Boisvert
03/24/20 Turnagain Observation: Turnagain – Road Observations W Wagner Forecaster
Riding Areas
Updated Fri, May 01st, 2020

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
Closed
Placer River
Closed
Skookum Drainage
Closed
Turnagain Pass
Closed
Closed as of May 1. Thanks for a fun, safe season!
Twentymile
Closed
Seward District
Carter Lake
Closed
Lost Lake Trail
Closed
Primrose Trail
Closed
Resurrection Pass Trail
Closed
Snug Harbor
Closed
South Fork Snow River Corridor
Closed
Summit Lake
Closed

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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.

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