Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Unseasonably warm and wet conditions remain over the Eastern Turnagain Arm and are forecast to persist through the remainder of the week.
Glide avalanche activity continues to occur sporadically and a few new wet sluffs were seen on upper elevation steep slopes today (Monday). We look to move into a period of increased precipitation Tuesday evening and into Wednesday. With this we could see an increase in upper elevation avalanche activity and debris may run to lower elevations that are snow free. Keep this in mind if you are hiking or getting out in places like Portage Valley with hiking trails under slide paths.
*We will continue to post intermittent updates. Advisories are scheduled to begin Saturday, November 22nd.
For the most up to date information keep tabs on our observation page. Please, send us an observation if you are getting out this week!!
Glide avalanches remain a primary concern as they are slowly removing much of the scant snow cover. These avalanches are predominantly releasing between 2,500 and 3,000′ and on all aspects. It is safe to say they are still occurring every now and then by comparing photos every couple days. Below is a photo of Magnum’s West face (yes, the snow line is painfully high – roughly 1600-1900′).
Spring-like wet and saturated snow covers the mountains up to around 3,000-3,500′. There have been several wet loose snow avalanches during the past week and though many are likely older, be aware that it may not be too hard to get the snow to move downhill. Steer clear of steep slopes (approaching 40deg) that harbor wet and soft snow.
Wet snow ~2,200′, near treeline. Looking on the bright side – any sugary facets that may have been forming earlier in Nov are history, at these wet elevations anyhow.
A series of low pressure systems in the Gulf will continue to pump warm moisture laden air from the South into our region. Rain will continue to fall below ~2,500 and 3,000′ and snow above. Winds will remain moderate to strong from the East. Tuesday night we could see as much as 1+” of rain in the Portage area before tapering off for Wednesday and Thursday to light showers.
The return of colder air is still on the horizon.
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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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 |
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.