Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The majority of terrain in the heart of Turnagain Pass has a generally LOW avalanche danger, this includes the upper elevations. Areas of MODERATE danger exist both on very steep slopes and in terrain within the ‘periphery’ forecast zones, such as Girdwood Valley, Silvertip and Summit Lake on the Kenai.
*Weak snow near the ground does remain in scattered areas, although triggering a slab avalanche breaking near the ground is trending toward unlikely, this set up warrants caution. When pushing into steeper terrain, be sure to practice safe travel techniques such as exposing one person at a time on a slope, discussing potential consequences if the slope does slide and always watch for signs of instability before committing.
For almost a week now intermittent snow showers have added a welcome 8-12″ of low density snow at the mid-mountain elevations. Another round last night added 2-3″ of this. Snow quality continues to be reported as “excellent” – especially above treeline where “dust-on-crust” conditions disappear. Winds have been light over the past few days and are expected to be light again today, however, with such loose snow available for transport, keep in mind it can be blown into slabs easily. Otherwise, watch for sluffing on steep slopes.
How is the ‘snowpack structure’ looking as a whole? In general, pretty good. However, we are tracking a layer of old faceted snow that sits near the ground. This layer is likely responsible for some very sizeable natural avalanches during the Thanksgiving weekend storm, yet signs point to the layer adjusting since then and becoming unreactive. Until we gather enough data to rule this potential weak layer out, it’s something to keep in mind.
Generally mild weather has been over us for the past 6 days. We have seen light Easterly winds, isolated snow showers and temperatures in the mid 20’s F on the ridgetops and near freezing at sea level.
Overnight, a quick moving disturbance added roughly 2-3″ of light snow at Turnagain Pass and Summit Lake while Girdwood Valley looks to have seen around 4″. Winds are light and variable currently and slated to turn back Easterly in the 5-10mph range today. Skies should be partly cloudy this morning before filling back in later today with a chance for another 1-2″ of low density snow this evening. Temperatures have dropped to the lower 20’s F on the ridgetops where they should remain today.
This weekend looks to be nice with partly cloudy skies, temperatures in the 20’s F and light winds. Stay tuned.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 26 | 2 | 0.2 | 25 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 24 | 2 | 0.2 | 12 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 27 | 3.5 | 0.25 | 20 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 22 | NE | 5 | 16 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 24 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
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 |
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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.