Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The avalanche hazard is MODERATE above treeline today. Steep slopes on a variety of aspects above treeline should be treated with caution. Large triggers such as snowmachines or groups of riders will increase the chances of triggering slabs up to 2 feet in depth. Below treeline (especially below 1,800′) the avalanche hazard is LOW, where the snowpack is capped by a thick crust.
The snowpack around Turnagain Pass is not typical for this time of year. November and December were dry months with close to record lows in terms of snowfall. Clear and cold conditions helped to weaken the snow that was sitting on the ground. This is what comprises the foundation of the snowpack.
The New Year brought the first significant storm of the season. This storm started warm & wet and finished cool & dry. This is what we call a “right side up” storm. This newest snow has since bonded well to the old snow surface.
Despite this, we still have that weak snow lurking deeper in the snowpack. It will be possible to get onto slopes without seeing the normal warning signs of shooting cracks or experiencing collapsing. This is a tricky set up that requires conservative travel practices and digging/testing the snow below the surface.
It will be generally difficult to initiate an avalanche today. However, the possibility still exists for humans to trigger an avalanche in deeper layers, especially in steep terrain.
(Photo below taken in the afternoon on January 2nd. These avalanches occured during the day and were triggered remotely by 2 skiers. Click HERE for more info)
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In the past 24 hours the mountains around Eastern Turnagain Arm have received zero precip. Winds have been calm and temperatures have been in the low 20s F.
Today expect cloudy skies and snow showers mainly in the morning. Snow accumulations will be light, in the 1-2 € range. Winds will also be light out of the South at 5-10mph.
A well orgainzed Low pressure system to the South will bring warm and wet conditions to the area over the weekend. Heaviest precip amounts look to be arriving Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
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.