Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Sunday, November 22nd UPDATE:
After a series of storms dropped 8-10+” of snow late last week, skiers and snowboarders hit the backcountry yesterday (Saturday). What they found were VERY sensitive wind slabs; the winds not only blew during the storm, but continued on Saturday actively loading slopes. Several human triggered avalanches were reported in the Turnagain Pass area (Details below).
It is not unusual to have reactive wind slabs in this situation, but what is not as typical is what the slabs are sitting on – weak faceted snow (see video below). This set up will take some time to stabilize. For today, and into this week, be VERY WARY of slopes harboring stiff wind drifted snow. The most concerning areas are steep and sustained terrain – where getting dragged down a chute or slope can have high consequences – not only for burial but for a rough ride.
Below are several photos from yesterday’s active avalanche conditions. You can read reports for these, and more, on our observations page – thank you to the folks for passing on their information!
As mentioned above, we have a ‘classic’ WIND SLAB avalanche problem out in the mountains. These slabs are scattered about and vary in thickness from 10″ to 2′. The trick is, some of them sit on weak faceted snow and others do not; meaning some slabs will be reactive (avalanche if the slope is steep enough) and others will not. The best method to avoid an avalanche will be avoiding wind loaded slopes – for a while. Unfortunately, facets under a slab can take days or weeks to stabilize, patience is warranted. Another trick is finding areas that were sheltered from the wind, this is where conditions are safer, however this is difficult since the wind found its way into the trees as well.
Things to watch for:
1) Wind drifted snow, stiffer snow with a smooth rounded shape. 2) Shooting cracks (great photo sent to us below). 3) ‘Whoomphing‘
Photo below: Snowboarder triggered avalanche on Tincan, just above treeline (no one was caught).
Left photo: Test slope triggered by skier on bottom left. Right photo: Shooting crack right after test slope failed (Ted Grosgebauer).
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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01/16/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan Trees | A Schauer Forecaster |
01/15/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Schauer/ Wunnicke Forecaster |
01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Johnston-Bloom / Moderow Forecaster |
01/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Center Ridge Meadows | Alaska Avalanche School Rec Level 1 Roberts |
01/12/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge/Center Ridge | A Schauer Forecaster |
01/11/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan Trees | Schauer/ Roberts Forecaster |
01/10/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Center Ridge Meadows | Alaska Avalanche School Pro 1 Course Latosuo |
01/10/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan trees | Anonymous |
01/09/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Johnson Pass | Anonymous |
01/08/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst meadow between Hemlocks | Anonymous |
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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Glacier District |
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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.