Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast RSS

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ARCHIVED FORECAST - All forecasts expire after 24 hours from the posting date/time.
Issued
Wed, April 23rd, 2014 - 7:00AM
Expires
Thu, April 24th, 2014 - 7:00AM
Forecaster
John Fitzgerald
Avalanche risk The Bottom Line

The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations.   Cornice fall and very low volume wet loose avalanches are potential snowpack issues to be aware of today.

Special Announcements
  • Turnagain Pass is now CLOSED to motorized use due to low snow cover.

  • Mark your calendars!!  The 2014 Corn Harvest will be Saturday, April 26th at the Turnagain Pass Center Ridge parking lot. Come by for free food, games and fun!  More details HERE.
  • This is the final week of advisories.   They will be issued today through Sunday, April 27th.
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Wed, April 23rd, 2014
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 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
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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.

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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.