Fri, April 25, 2014 Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

Fri, April 25th, 2014

Alpine
Above 2,500'

Moderate (2)

Treeline
1,000'-2,500'

Low (1)

Below Treeline
Below 1,000'

Low (1)

Alpine Above 2,500'		Moderate (2)
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

Wind Slabs

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

More info at Avalanche.org

After a long stretch of clear skies, sunscreen and quiet avalanche conditions, we are getting back into a somewhat stormy weather pattern. The Easterly winds already picked up along the ridgelines yesterday and there is snow above 1500ft on tap for the next several days.

As we head back into winter at the upper elevations we can put loose snow sluffs and wind slabs back on our radar. Snow is expected to fall in earnest this afternoon and although amounts are uncertain, as is often the case, we could see up to 4” by sunset (~9:45pm). Favored areas such as Portage Valley could see 5-7”. This will be falling on old stout surface crusts.

Wind slab avalanches should be expected on any slope with recent wind deposited snow. Considering there is very little pre-existing snow available to transport, it will depend on new snow amounts as to wind slab formation and size. With modest amounts expected the avalanche activity should be fairly low in volume, predictable and easy to suss out.

A look at the pre-existing surface from the Sunburst parking A look at this morning’s weather conditions (Tincan Ridge from
lot yesterday. the DOT Turnagain Pass webcams).

Weather

Fri, April 25th, 2014

Yesterday was another bluebird day on the Pass. Sunny skies gave way to a few cumulus clouds by the afternoon and temperatures climbed to the mid 30’s F on the peaks. The wind kicked up to the 20mph range from the East late in the day and has continued overnight associated with a small system moving through from the Gulf.

Today this smaller system continues to move North ahead of a large Aleutian Low tracking East with an associated front which will impact our region by the afternoon. There is a chance for .4 € of rain below 1500ft with 2-4 € of snow above from this afternoon through midnight. Winds will continue from the East in the 25-35mph range and temperatures look to stay in the mid 20’s F above treeline and 35-40F at 1000ft.

The front mentioned above is forecast to stall out over us for the weekend with 40-50mph Easterly winds and a decent shot of rain/snow can be expected (the rain/snow line should be around 1200ft). As for the CORN HARVEST tomorrow from 3-7pm €“ let’s hope we get a little break in the cloud cover and precipitation!

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 Thu, June 01st, 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	Closed May 15.
Placer River	Closed	Closed May 15.
Skookum Drainage	Closed	Will close to motorized use on April 1, 2023 per the National Forest Plan.
Turnagain Pass	Closed	Will close on June 1.
Twentymile	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.
Seward District
Carter Lake	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.
Lost Lake Trail	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.
Primrose Trail	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.
Resurrection Pass Trail	Closed	Closed to motorized use for the 2022/23 winter season per Forest Plan. Open next season.
Snug Harbor	Closed	Extended opening until May 15.
South Fork Snow River Corridor	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.
Summit Lake	Closed	Scheduled closure May 1.