Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

In the Alpine a slab 1-2′ thick is sitting on a old weak layer of snow, but over the last 10 days triggering this slab has become more difficult with time. Very few obvious signs of instability have been observed over the last week, and inconsistent test results help point towards this weak layer adjusting to its load. On the flip side, we are still finding propagation potential in places, causing enough uncertainty to still encourage conservative slope choices. This problem seems to be more reactive on slopes with more of a Southern aspect where a sun crust/facet interface exists.

Obvious clues such as collapsing/woomphing may not be present and triggering a slab may require steeper terrain or a larger trigger, like several people on a slope. Be sure to practice safe travel habits. Identify safe spots, move between islands of safety one at a time, and always have an escape zone in mind.

Overnight only a trace of new snow fell in Turnagain Pass above 2000’ and another wave of precipitation is expected tonight into Saturday morning. Unfortunately for Turnagain Pass the direction of this cold front looks to be favoring the Talkeetna Mountains. If heading to Hatcher Pass this weekend, be sure to check out the Hatcher Pass Advisory updated once per week on Saturday mornings. 

A stout melt/freeze crust has strengthened the snow pack below 2500’ and has been providing spring-like surface conditions below this elevation. 

Snow may be scarce below 1500′, but a good time can still be found in the the upper elevations.  

Yesterday cloudy skies slowly broke in the morning and by mid-day it was mostly sunny. Temperatures reached the mid 30’s F during the heat of the day, just enough to cause some melting in the 1-2” of new surface snow on sun exposed aspects. Along ridgetops winds were light (5-15mph) mostly from the East.

Overnight temps dipped into the high 20’s F along ridgetops, but at sea level temperatures remained above freezing. There was light rain overnight with rain/snow line around 2000’, up to a few inches of new snow above 2000’. Winds were variable in Turnagain Pass, with Sunburst experiencing a Southerly direction 10-20mph, and Seattle with light Northeasterly winds 5-10mph. 

Tonight another wave of precipitation is expected to move through Western Prince William Sound bringing up to a few inches of snow to upper elevations. Rain/snow line will be around 1000’, with temperatures cooling off late Saturday afternoon as precipitation backs off. Southeast winds are expected to be 20-30mph.