Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
|
![]() ![]() |
MODERATE avalanche danger exists in the alpine and at treeline elevations today where storm slabs less than 48 hours old are quickly settling out. Human triggered avalanches in the 1-2′ range, comprised of storm snow will be possible as the snowpack continues to adjust to Tuesday’s (19 € in 19hrs) storm plus any new snow added today. Additional avalanche concerns today will come in the form of loose or wet loose avalanches initiated by warm ambient temperatures.
A much smaller possibility exists for large avalanches to be triggered deep in the snowpack where we know that weak snow and interfaces exist. These are unlikely to be affected by a skier but serve as a good reminder to constantly practice safe travel protocol in the mountains.
Have you traveled in the backcountry on Turnagain Pass this winter? Do you use the CNFAIC advisory? Be part of a local research project to help understand how decisions are made in the backcountry. Click HERE to complete a 5-minute survey. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
We are currently issuing advisories 5 days a week until our final advisory on Thursday, April 30th. Advisories will be posted at 7 am each day except Mondays and Wednesdays.
Tuesday provided a heavy dose of localized (to Turnagain pass) storm snow in the core advisory area with up to 19” accumulating at the Center Ridge SNOTEL site (1880’) in 19 hours. The storm quickly shut off with only a trace of snow falling yesterday allowing Tuesday’s storm slab to settle to about 12”. This load coupled with 3-5” forecasted today is enough of a concern to warrant careful snowpack and terrain evaluation before skinning up or jumping into committing terrain.
Storm slabs/ wind slabs:
These are expected to be as deep as 1-2’ in areas affected by the wind, proving large enough to bury a person. We don’t have a lot of information in terms of how well this recent storm is bonding to, or affecting underlying weaknesses so it’ll be prudent to pay attention to any red flags including recent avalanches, shooting cracks or whumphing prior to committing to steep terrain. If experiencing and red flags today, these are the sure signs that the snowpack below your skis is unstable and slope angles need to be dialed back. Quick hand pits or jumping on small (no consequence) test slopes will be a good way to gather more data while making your own snowpack assessment.
Deep slab/ persistent weak layers:
This is less of a concern today but is still being pondered, particularly on the South end of the advisory area where persistent weak layers may be found closer to the surface.
With the majority of the ski season behind us, now is not the time for complacency. Continue to practice safe travel protocols. Ski slopes one at a time and utilize lookouts, positive communication, escape routes and islands of safety.
Natural and human triggered sluffs are expected in the new snow on all aspects and elevations. Though the Sun isn’t forecasted to make an appearance today, warm ambient temperatures and potentially rain at lower elevations may be enough to trigger loose snow sluffing and roller balls above and below treeline.
Yesterday’s weather can be described as Grey-bird and warm with light winds from the east. Temperatures reached 40 degrees at 1880′ with ridgetop winds gusting into the low 20’s mph. Temperatures dipped to the low 30’s overnight, winds stayed calm and just a trace of snow has fallen over the darkest hours of the night.
Today a low pressure system is making its way from the Gulf of Alaska toward the Susitna valley bringing us a chance for 3-5 € of snow at 1,000′ as it moves through. Winds will be light from the SE in the 12-20mph range with temperatures in the mid 30’s today dropping to the mid to high 20’s as this low pressure clears the Kenai Peninsula. The potential exists for lingering snow showers to sea level by later this evening.
By Friday afternoon another low pressure and associated front will be moving into the Gulf spreading rain to coastal areas and snow showers to the higher elevations.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 34 | 1 | .2 | 81 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 36 | 0 | .02 | 12 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 34 | 1 | .2 | 39 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 25 | E | 8 | 29 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 27 | n/a | 11 | 22 |
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 |
---|---|---|
Glacier District |
Subscribe to Turnagain Pass
Avalanche Forecast by Email
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.