Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The avalanche hazard is CONSIDERABLE above treeline, where dense slabs 2-3′ in depth sit on top of weak snow. It will take large triggers such as snowmachines or groups of people to initiate an avalanche. Avalanches in the upper elevations have the potential to be large and destructive today.
Below treeline, (especially between 1,200-2,000′) the hazard is MODERATE. Steep terrain, rollovers, and areas with shallow snow are key spots to avoid in the lower elevations today.
Below 1,200′ the snowpack is capped by a thick crust and avalanches are unlikely.
It’s been 5 days since the last significant storm and subsequent avalanche cycle. In the time since this last storm the weak snowpack has been able to adjust to this newest load. Each day it becomes more difficult to trigger avalanches. The weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack have also slowly gained strength.
However, the problem has not gone away. Weak snow near the ground continues to show the potential to produce large avalanches. Potential slab depth ranges from 1 foot in the lower elevations to 3 feet near ridge lines.
The potential also exists for avalanches to propagate across entire slopes. Because of these factors, it is important to continue to treat all slopes, especially above 35 degrees, with suspicion. The obvious warning signs (recent avalanches, shooting cracks, collapsing) will potentially not show themselves. Now is a time when it is important to know what is below the surface. When entering avalanche terrain it is important to practice good travel habits; expose only one person at a time, stop in islands of safety, and communicate plans within your group.
In the past 24 hours the mountains around Eastern Turnagain Arm have received a trace of new snow. Ridgetop winds have been light out of a variety of directions averaging 3mph with gusts to 11mph. Temperatures have been on a slight decline with current ridgetop stations reading 15-18 degrees F.
Today expect cloudy skies with occasional flurries. Winds will be light out of the NW at 5-10mph. Temperatures will warm into the high 20s F at 1,000′.
The long term outlook calls for a continuation of cloudy conditions with only light precipitation and a gradual cooling pattern. The next chance for more significant precipitation looks to be towards the middle of next week.
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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01/28/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Brooke Edwards |
01/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | W Wagner |
01/27/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | John Sykes |
01/27/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Lynx Creek | Megan Guinn / W Wagner |
01/25/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Cornbiscuit | John Sykes Forecaster |
01/22/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Schauer/ Guinn |
01/21/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | Elias Holt |
01/21/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Lynx drainage – avalanche | CNFAIC Staff |
01/21/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche/People Involved: Warm up bowl (-1 bowl) avalanche | Anonymous |
01/21/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Sunburst Ridge | Megan Guinn / W Wagner |
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.