Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE in the Alpine. Triggering a slab avalanche is possible in very steep terrain. Evaluate the snowpack carefully and consider the consequences before you choose to ski a steep slope.
The Avalanche danger is LOW at treeline. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely, however it is possible an avalanche could be triggered from above and run into this elevation band. Use caution when crossing under sustained steep slopes and be aware of people above you.
There is No Rating below treeline due to not enough snow at this elevation.
The CNFAIC Avalanche Rescue Workshop schedule for January 4th has been postponed due to lack of snow at the parkinglot level in Turnagain Pass. The workshop has been rescheduled for January 18th. Check our calendar for up to date info.
It has been several days since a 3-day storm with high winds averaging 40mph subsided leaving behind stiff pockets of wind-loaded snow. There have been no recent reports of natural or human triggered avalanches, however the potential for triggering a wind slab in steep terrain still exists.
Wind slabs tend to be found in isolated pockets that can break above you. Avoid smooth pillow-like features on steep convexities, especially if high consequence terrain (rocks, trees, cliffs) is below you. Pay attention for shooting cracks or hollow sounding snow – these are obvious clues that a wind slab is unstable.
Evaluate the snow as you travel by probing with your ski pole to measure the stiffness and depth of the slab. Practice safe travel rituals like traveling one at a time in steep terrain and look for islands of safety to spot each other. There are plenty of scoured ridges left behind from the 3-day wind event. Use these routes for safe travel into the alpine.
We have been actively tracking a buried surface hoar layer over the last two weeks. This layer is widespread throughout Turnagain Pass and has a 2-3’ slab sitting on top. The recent wind event has made the slab denser and more suportable. This is good news, as it will take more force to trigger this kind of avalanche. The bad news is the consequences are still high, and if you find the right spot it could propagate a large avalanche.
Avoid trigger points like shallow areas around rocks and convexities in steep terrain. A cornice fall or wind slab avalanche could be enough weight to trigger a persistent slab. Give cornices a wide berth and pay attention to wind slabs in steep terrain as described in the primary concern.
An avalanche of this size could run into treeline. Keep in mind the runout zones and be aware of people traveling in steep terrain above you.
Yesterday there was no new precipitation, skies were overcast and winds were moderate (10-25mph) from the Northwest. Overnight temperatures have started to drop into the low 20’s F.
Northwest winds (10-25 mph) will decrease slightly this afternoon as temperatures cool into the teens tonight. Light snow flurries are possible today.
A high pressure system in the artic is building and is the culprit behind the cooling trend. Northwest winds are expected to decrease and light snow flurries may accompany mostly clear skies and cool temperature (10 to 25 F) into the weekend.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 28 | 0 | 0 | 34 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 29 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 28 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 20 | NW | 9 | 26 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 22 | W | 14 | 44 |
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 |
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.