Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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We will be posting intermittent updates during the first half of November. Advisories will begin in mid-November or as the snowpack warrants.
There is just enough snow to get out and scratch around on skis/boards or snowshoes (still a ways away from enough snow for motorized use). A handful of folks were out on the Tincan and Sunburst ridges yesterday. Reports on snow cover were: 1-2+ feet of wind distributed low density snow above treeline and 8-12″ of a mix of crusts and low density snow below treeline. Check out these photos sent in to us from a skier on Sunburst and a few photos from the road HERE.
As we head into a stormy next several days and weekend, below are some things to watch for:
Know where you are:
Steer clear of being under steep slopes or in terrain traps. Many folks have been getting out in the Crow Pass area – this is a CLASSIC terrain trap and the trail often traverses a large avalanche path. Sadly, in late November of 1997, this was the site of an avalanche fatality. It’s avalanche season – heads up, don’t let it catch you off guard !!
Glide avalanches?! There may only be 1-2′ of snow on the ground but that is enough for the NW nose of Eddies to start producing glide cracks. These are mostly small, yet some look to have released. Always steer clear of, and out from under, glide cracks. Also, keep a close eye on any new snow that may hide cracks as our snowpack slowly piles up.
Glide cracks on Eddies (A bit hard to see in the photo).
Today, Wednesday, a disturbance in the Northern Gulf has the potential to bring 2-3+” of snow to above treeline elevations and rain/snow below. Winds look to be in the 20-30mph range from the East.
Friday through the weekend, an upper level low in the Gulf along with the remnants of super typhoon Nuri will impact Eastern Turnagain Arm with hopefully another shot of snow to start our season. Stay tuned!
Weather Links?
General weather: HERE
Developmental Eastern Turnagain Arm Forecast: HERE (Bookmark this page if you have not done so already)
What it looks like up at Turnagain Pass: AKDOT’s webcams!
Treeline snow depth on Center Ridge: SNOTEL site.
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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01/20/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Johnston-Bloom / Roberts Forecaster |
01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Cornbiscuit | Schauer/ Johnston-Bloom Forecaster |
01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Sunburst and Tincan | CNFAIC Staff |
01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | CNFAIC Staff |
01/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan 2900′ SW aspect below Hippy Bowl. | Kris Marshall |
01/18/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Turnagain Pass Road Obs. | A Schauer Forecaster |
01/16/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan Trees | A Schauer Forecaster |
01/15/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Schauer/ Wunnicke Forecaster |
01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Johnston-Bloom / Moderow Forecaster |
01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Center Ridge Meadows | Alaska Avalanche School Rec Level 1 Roberts |
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.