Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE in the Alpine elevations today. The recent series of storms has added 1-3′ of snow and the sustained winds have loaded leeward slopes. Pockets of wind slab may be sensitive to human triggers in upper elevation starting zones today. Ease into steeper terrain, practice safe travel techniques and look for signs of instability,
The danger is MODERATE in the Treeline elevation band. The rain and warm temperatures have left the snowpack moist and unsupportable at mid-elevations. There is the possibility of triggering a wet loose avalanche in steep terrain where the snowpack remains saturated. If the temperatures dip below freezing and a supportable surface crust exists the hazard will be LOW.
Below Treeline (1,000′) there is not enough snow coverage to warrant a danger rating.
The combination of wind and new snow in the Alpine over the past few days has created potential for wind slabs on steep leeward slopes. Slabs could be 1-4′ thick. Look for recent evidence of loading in the terrain. Cornice formation and scalloped or pillowed snow are good indications of deposition. Watch for cracking and collapsing under the weight of your skis or snowboard. Listen for hollow sounds and whumpfing.
** We are still concerned with a layer of weak faceted snow that formed during the colder temps in early November. These facets exist in many areas at the base of the snowpack but we have not seen evidence that they are reactive. We have limited information about the overall distribution of this layer in the Alpine and continue to be suspect of it lurking below the recent storms.
Photo below is an image of the cross loading on the SE face of Seattle Ridge.
The snowpack received rain up to 2500′ in the last series of storms. Temperatures in the Alpine cooled off and created a rain crust. At Treeline and below in areas that have not frozen there remains the possibility for wet avalanches in steep terrain. Observers reported “mashed potato” snow conditions and boot penetration to the ground. Additional rain showers and temperatures above freezing at lower elevations today will continue to create a hazard where the snow remains saturated. If the temperatures drop the danger will be LOW. Watch for new roller balls, wet punchy “trap door” snow and “push-a-lanches” starting at your skis or snowboard.
Yesterday observers reported rain runnels and roller balls up to 2500′.
Photo: Runnels on the Tincan uptrack. Credit: Ted Grosgebauer
Rain and snow showers will continue in the region today. Some areas will see clearing skies. This system will dissipate as a ridge builds over Southcentral ahead of the next front appproaching from the Southwest. Temperatures will remain in the 30’s today and it is forecasted to gradually cool over the next few days. Winds will be light and Easterly.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 32 | 2 | .2 | NA |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 32 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 33 | 1 | .35 | 16 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 25 | ENE | 17 | 46 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 27 | NA | NA | NA |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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12/10/19 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan and Sunburst from the air | CNFAIC Staff |
12/10/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Nancy Pfeiffer |
12/08/19 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Ryan Van Luit Forecaster |
12/06/19 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Sunburst | Billy Finley |
12/04/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | A.Johnston-Bloom/ W.Wagner/ R.Van Luit Forecaster |
12/03/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Hippy Bowl | Nick Langowski |
12/01/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan, All elevations | Eric Roberts |
12/01/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Andy Moderow |
11/30/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan Treeline Plateau/ Common Bowl/ Ridge | Eric Roberts |
11/29/19 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst Ob #2 | Aleph Johnston-Bloom Forecaster |
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 |