Wed, April 23, 2014 Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

Wed, April 23rd, 2014

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 snowpack around the forecast area can be considered “well seasoned”. Multiple days of no precipitation and diurnal melting and freezing have helped to strengthen the snowpack. Despite several nights of mild air temps, the surface has been able to refreeze, mainly due to clear skies. While avalanche activity is unlikely today, as temperatures climb and the sun hits different aspects, it is still worth being on the lookout for the following:

Cornices
These giants are fully matured and sitting above many starting zones. Keep your distance from cornices when approaching from the side or above. Know where the snow begins and the underlying terrain ends. When traveling below cornices, make sure to spread your group out and minimize time spent underneath them.

Wet Loose Avalanches
In terrain over 45 degrees receiving direct sunlight and steep terrain in the lower elevations very low volume human triggered sluffs are possible. Pay attention to any snow moving around you and get out of its way by either stopping above it or turning away from it. It should be noted that North aspects are beginning to receive direct sun, so all aspects hold this potential.

Weather

Wed, April 23rd, 2014

Clear skies overnight have allowed for freezing to occur on the surface. Temps (F) in the past 24 hours:

avg. max.
Sunburst (3,812′) 37 42.3
Seattle (2,400′) 37 43.7
Center Ridge (1,880′) 42 52.4

Ridgetop winds have been light and variable. No new precipitation has fallen.

Today expect another sunny day with occasional cloud cover. Temperatures at 1,000′ will again climb into the mid 40s F. Winds will be out of the Southeast at 5-10 mph.

The extended outlook is showing a continuation of generally mild and sunny weather through the end of the week.

Observations

Recent Observations for Turnagain Pass

Date	Region	Location	Observer
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

Riding Areas

Updated Sat, September 23rd, 2023

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	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Placer River	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Skookum Drainage	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Turnagain Pass	Closed	Scheduled opening on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving per Chugach National Forest plan. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Twentymile	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Seward District
Carter Lake	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Lost Lake Trail	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Primrose Trail	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Resurrection Pass Trail	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Snug Harbor	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
South Fork Snow River Corridor	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.
Summit Lake	Closed	Scheduled opening per Chugach National Forest plan December 1. Subject to adequate snow cover.