Mon, February 02, 2015 Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

Mon, February 2nd, 2015

Alpine

Above 2,500'

1 - Low

Treeline

1,000'-2,500'

1 - Low

Below Treeline

Below 1,000'

0 - No Rating

1 - Low

2 - Moderate

3 - Considerable

4 - High

5 - Extreme


Travel Advice	Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.	Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.	Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making essential.	Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.	Extraordinarily dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Likelihood of Avalanches	Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.	Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.	Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.	Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.	Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.
Avalanche Size and Distribution	Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.	Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.	Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.	Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.	Very large avalanches in many areas.

Avalanche Problem 1

Normal Caution

Normal Caution

Normal Caution means triggering an avalanche is unlikely but not impossible.

More info at Avalanche.org

With a lack of significant weather over the past 2 weeks, we have seen very little avalanche activity. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely around much of the forecast area. Exceptions to this can be found in the following forms:

Old wind slabs
Yesterday’s skier triggered avalanche shows us that it is possible to find pockets of unstable snow. With only occasional slight bumps in the wind over the last week, slabs that have formed are few and far between. Localized winds have formed shallow slabs that are sitting on weak snow. In the mid elevations that weak snow is sitting on a crust, creating the perfect slab/weak layer/bed surface combo. If venturing into big steep terrain be on the lookout for snow that is stiff or hollow sounding.

Photo below of an avalanche triggered by skiers while bootpacking on the lower flanks of Big Chief in upper Seattle Cr drainage. 2,400′ E facing slope. 100′ across, 200′ vertical. Photo: Billy Finley

Big Chief Skier triggered

Loose Snow Avalanches
Yesterday my partner and I were able to initiate very shallow sluffs in steep terrain. The volume of these sluffs was very low and they were fast moving. In sustained steep terrain pay attention to snow that releases from your feet, as it has the potential to knock you over.

With these issues in mind, it is important to avoid complacency by following safe travel protocol:
-Travel one at a time on suspect slopes
-Use islands of safety for spotting or re grouping
-Have an escape route planned prior to committing to a slope
-Communicate decisions and plans well with your partners
-Watch for other groups and avoid exposing yourself and others to avalanche hazard

Weather

Mon, February 2nd, 2015

Clear skies prevailed again yesterday. Ridegtop temperatures were mild, in the low 30s F. Some valley locations experienced an inversion where temperatures remained in the teens F through the day. Winds were generally light. No new precipitation was recorded.

Today looks to be very similar as high pressure remains over the area. Temperatures along ridgetops will be in the high 20s F. Some valley locations will experience a steep inversion and will see temps in the single digits/teens F. Winds will be light out of the West.

The ridge of high pressure that is parked over much of the state will shift its position slightly this week, but not enough to bring about a change. Temperatures will drop slightly later in the week as cold air moves in from the North. Clear and dry conditions look to remain in place through the work week.

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

	Temp Avg (F)	Snow (in)	Water (in)	Snow Depth (in)
Center Ridge (1880′)	28	0	0	31
Summit Lake (1400′)	13	0	0	7
Alyeska Mid (1700′)	26	0	0	21

RIDGETOP 24-hour data (6am – 6am)

	Temp Avg (F)	Wind Dir	Wind Avg (mph)	Wind Gust (mph)
Sunburst (3812′)	33	E	5	15
Seattle Ridge (2400′)	31	var	4	17

Observations

Recent Observations for Turnagain Pass

Date	Region	Location	Observer
10/27/24	Turnagain	Observation: Tincan	Michael Kerst
10/21/24	Turnagain	Observation: Turnagain Pass Road Observation	Trevor Clayton
10/19/24	Turnagain	Observation: Tincan – Below Todds Run	Andy Moderow
10/18/24	Turnagain	Observation: Taylor Pass	Eli Neuffer
10/15/24	Turnagain	Observation: Tincan Common	John Sykes Forecaster
10/14/24	Turnagain	Avalanche: Tincan	CNFAC Staff
05/13/24	Turnagain	Observation: Eddie’s, Sunburst, Seattle, Cornbiscuit, Pete’s South	H Thamm
05/13/24	Turnagain	Observation: Turnagain Pass non-motorized side	Amy Holman
05/12/24	Turnagain	Observation: Warm up Bowl	Tony Naciuk
05/07/24	Turnagain	Observation: Turnagain Pass Wet Slabs	A S

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