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ARCHIVED FORECAST - All forecasts expire after 24 hours from the posting date/time.
Issued
Mon, January 19th, 2015 - 7:00AM
Expires
Tue, January 20th, 2015 - 7:00AM
Forecaster
John Fitzgerald
Avalanche risk The Bottom Line

The avalanche danger is generally LOW in the Alpine.   Isolated pockets of old wind slab could be triggered in steep higher elevation terrain.   In steep terrain over 3,500′ be on the lookout for previously wind loaded pockets of slab 1-2′ deep.   In this terrain the danger is MODERATE today.

At treeline the danger is LOW, where a once saturated snowpack has now mostly refrozen.   Avalanches in this zone are unlikely with glide avalanches being the exception.

Early season conditions exist in the treeline elevations (1,000′-2,500′).   You will encounter icy conditions along well traveled routes, exposed rocks & stumps and open water.   Use caution when traveling through this elevation band.

Special Announcements

Mark you calendars for January 23rd when the APU Outdoor Studies Department and Alaska Avalanche School present Winter Wildlands Alliance’s Backcountry Film Festival!! A night of entertainment, raffle prizes and a chance to rekindle our winter stoke is on tap. This is an AAS and F-CNFAIC fundraiser – a great way to support local avalanche education and information. Hope to see you there!

Thanks to our sponsors!
Mon, January 19th, 2015
Alpine
Above 2,500'
Moderate (2)
Avalanche risk
Treeline
1,000'-2,500'
Low (1)
Avalanche risk
Below Treeline
Below 1,000'
No Rating (0)
Avalanche risk
Alpine
Above 2,500'
Avalanche risk
Moderate (2)
Treeline
1,000'-2,500'
Avalanche risk
Low (1)
Below Treeline
Below 1,000'
Avalanche risk
No Rating (0)
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

For those willing to endure challenging approaches into the Alpine, favorable skiing and riding conditions exist.  The main avalanche concerns to contend with today will be isolated pockets of older wind slab and glide cracks/avalanches.  

Wind Slabs
Winds that ended 3 days ago (Jan 16th) loaded some starting zones in the upper elevations.  These slabs range from 1-2 feet in depth.  It will take slope angles approaching 40 degrees to find slabs that could be triggered by skiers and riders today.  This is an isolated problem but is worth keeping in mind if you are heading into high elevation steep terrain or to the periphery of the forecast area where we have less information (Girdwood & Summit Lake).

Glide Avalanches
Glide cracks are visible throughout the area.  Most cracks exist between 2,500-3,000’.  No releases were observed over the past 24 hours.  These avalanches can move downhill at any time and do not play by the normal rules of avalanche release.  Steer clear of glides and alter your route if you find yourself below these cracks, as my partner and I did yesterday on our way up to Magnum Ridge.

Glide crack at 2,700′ S facing in PMS Bowl.  Photo: Fitzgerald

Glide PMS bowl

As always, it is important to use effective travel techniques in order to minimize your exposure:

Travel one at a time on suspect slopes.

Recognize and utilize islands of safety for spotting and regrouping.

Have an escape route planned in the event of an avalanche.

Communicate decisions and plans effectviely within your group.

Be aware of and minimize exposure of other groups that are above or below you.

Weather
Mon, January 19th, 2015

Yesterday brought mostly clear skies with no precipitation.   Winds were light out of the Northwest and temperatures were more seasonable, with ridgetops averaging in the low 20s F.

Today expect similar conditions with occasional snow showers lasting into the evening hours.   Expect a trace to 2 € of snow by tomorrow as a short wave disturbance moves through the area.   Winds today will be light out of the East at 5-10mph.   Temps at 1,000′ will be around 30 F.

Beyond tonight potential for snow will next come on Thursday.   Temperatures look to remain closer to normal over the next few days.

PRECIPITATION 24-hour data (6am – 6am)

  Temp Avg (F) Snow (in) Water (in) Snow Depth (in)
Center Ridge (1880′) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Summit Lake (1400′) N/A N/A N/A N/A
Alyeska Mid (1700′) 25 0 0 18.8

RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am – 6am)

  Temp Avg (F) Wind Dir Wind Avg (mph) Wind Gust (mph)
Sunburst (3812′) 23 WNW 4 15
Seattle Ridge (2400′) 25 N/A N/A N/A
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Riding Areas
Updated Mon, May 15th, 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
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Closed
Closed May 15.
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Closed
Closed May 15.
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Closed
Will close to motorized use on April 1, 2023 per the National Forest Plan.
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Chugach NF staff will be assessing daily after May 15th. Please keep machines on the snow and avoid brown spots to keep this area open as long as possible.
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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
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Summit Lake
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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.