Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast RSS

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ARCHIVED FORECAST - All forecasts expire after 24 hours from the posting date/time.
Issued
Sat, January 31st, 2015 - 7:00AM
Expires
Sun, February 1st, 2015 - 7:00AM
Forecaster
John Fitzgerald
Avalanche risk The Bottom Line

The avalanche danger is LOW in the Alpine and Treeline elevations today.   It will be possible to trigger low volume dry and wet loose avalanches in steep upper elevation terrain.

Early season conditions exist on the approaches; slick surfaces, rocks, and stumps require careful travel into and out of the mountains today.

Special Announcements

Scientists from the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University are seeking more participants for their project examining decision making and travel in avalanche terrain. Their project aims to collect GPS information (from your smartphone) and survey responses from backcountry skiers and riders to better understand what types of terrain are used, and how decisions are made.
To Participate or get more information:  www.montana.edu/snowscience/tracks   or their companion site directed toward snowmachiners at: www.montana.edu/snowscience/sleds

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Sat, January 31st, 2015
Alpine
Above 2,500'
Low (1)
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
Low (1)
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

It has now been two weeks since the weather has delivered any significant loading.  Several inches of low density snow sit on the surface in many locations.  With the current snowpack set up, it will still be important to clue into the following minor issues:

Loose Snow Avalanches-
Both dry and damp sluffing will be possible in steep terrain.  Volume of these sluffs will be very low.  If venturing onto steep and large unsupported slopes pay attention to any loose snow that releases.  On sunlit aspects expect sluffs to move slow and entrain enough snow to knock you over.  This issue will be more serious if traveling above terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies or vegetation.

Wind slabs –
Isolated pockets of older wind slab  6-8” deep may be encountered when getting into higher elevation terrain.  Areas on the periphery of the forecast zone (Girdwood Valley and Summit Lake) may be harboring more of these pockets.  For those taking advantage of the pleasant conditions and getting into the high alpine, it will be important to be on the lookout for these slabs.

Glide Avalanches-
Glide cracks are scattered around the forecast area.  Figuring out the timing of their release is very difficult at best.  With warm temps and sunshine the possibility exists for glides to release.  But really it’s anyone’s guess.  These avalanches do not follow the normal rules of avalanche release.  With this in mind do your best to minimize time spent under any glide cracks.

Weather
Sat, January 31st, 2015

Yesterday’s theme was clear, calm and mild.   Ridgetop temperatures were in the 20s F with some valley locations experiencing an inversion and cooler temps.   Winds were light out of the Northeast.   No new precipitation fell.

High pressure covering a majority of mainland Alaska will keep conditions similar for today.   Clear skies, very light wind and relatively mild temps are on tap.   The sun combined with mild air temps will be a destabilizing factor today as ridegtop temps look to climb into the low 30s F.

The extended outlook is calling for a continuation of this pattern through the weekend.   High pressure over the area will keep all moisture well to our South as we head into the early part of the week.

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

  Temp Avg (F) Snow (in) Water (in) Snow Depth (in)
Center Ridge (1880′) 25 0 0 31
Summit Lake (1400′) 14 0 0 8
Alyeska Mid (1700′) 19 0 0 19

RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am – 6am)

  Temp Avg (F) Wind Dir Wind Avg (mph) Wind Gust (mph)
Sunburst (3812′) 26 ENE 4 13
Seattle Ridge (2400′) 26 VAR 3 10
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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
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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.