Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists above treeline and in the upper elevations of Turnagain Pass where triggering a slab 2-4′ thick is possible in steep terrain. The Southern side of Turnagain Pass and periphery areas (Johnson Pass, Lynx Creek, Summit Lake) are particularly suspect due to a shallower snowpack. This is a low probability but a high consequence situation and requires evaluating the snow and terrain carefully. Likely trigger spots will be in shallow areas near rocks and on unsupported convex rollovers. Choose terrain wisely, do not put multiple snowmachines or skier/riders on or under steep slopes all at once, and watch for shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
*Should today’s winds exceed the forecasted 10-15mph be on the lookout for newly forming windslab and adjust to changing conditions.
Below treeline the danger is LOW where there has been less snow and less wind.
The Chugach National Forest has recently opened Johnson Pass trailheads (North and South) to motorized use. Please see the “Riding Areas” table at the bottom of this page for current info on areas open to snowmachines.
The weak snow that formed in early December sitting over the Thanksgiving Rain Crust or old hard snow is now buried under 2-4′ of snow. This combination is our current cause for concern and heightened caution in the backcountry. Many large avalanches ran during the storm Saturday including a large D4 avalanche in Silvertip drainage.
Yesterday several small skier triggered slab avalanches were reported near Pastoral above 3500’ on multiple aspects. Two of these slabs may have been remotely triggered, a symptom of a persistent weak layer. No information is known about the weak layer/bed surface that caused these slides, but it is a good reminder that poor structure does exist within the top 2-4’ of the snowpack. This avalanche problem seems to be more reactive on the Southern side of Turnagain Pass and aligns with reports of snowmachine triggered slides in Johnson Pass and Lynx Creek two days ago.
Many people have been getting into steep terrain without issue, but these conditions warrant respect. Triggering a slab 2-4’ is possible in steep terrain and will be more likely in thinner areas near rocks and on unsupported convex features. Choose your terrain wisely and avoid slopes with high consequences.
An avalanche that occured at the end of the Dec.19th storm had a long connected crown, just under 2 miles long on a ENE aspect of Twin Peaks ridge above Silvertip Creek.
Multiple days of cold temperatures have been decomposing the top 8-10” of snow creating very weak surface snow. Yesterday a fast moving loose snow avalanche ‘sluff’ caused a skier to be knocked down and drug into an alder patch. Although it is unlikely that this avalanche problem will bury a person, it is capable of causing serious injury. The best way to manage a loose snow avalanche is by choosing terrain with low consequences and allowing the ‘sluff’ to pass by you while descending.
*Looking forward into the weekend a large storm is expected to arrive tomorrow morning and the current surface snow conditions (near surface facets and widespread surface hoar growth) will be a future layer of concern once burried.
Yesterday 15-30mph Westerly gusts were recorded at various ridgetop weather stations and several groups observed drifting snow along ridgetops. Although this wind appeared to be short lived, it did move some snow around in the upper elevations. Be on the lookout for the following:
Cornices: Recent wind loading can make cornices extra tender. A cornice fall (like the photo below) could be a big enough force to awaken a persistent slab. Give these features plenty of space and be careful not to accidently drive your snowmachine out onto them or have your ski lunch break in the wrong spot.
Windslabs: Should you see snow being transported by winds, this is a obvious sign that wind slabs are forming on leeward features. Pay attention for stiff, pillowed, sculpted snow and look for shooting cracks.
A fresh looking slab was reported yesterday in Superbowl between Magnum and Cornbiscuit. The exact trigger and timing are unknown, but appear to have been triggered by a cornice. If anyone has information about this recent slab/cornice failure please submit an observation HERE.
Yesterday skies were clear and temperatures ranged from 5F to 15F. Westerly ridgetop winds averaged around 5-10mph and several gusts were recorded in 30’s mph on Seattle ridge. Overnight winds were light from the West and temps remained cold.
Today skies are expected to be clear and temps should stay in the teens F and start increases later in the day. Light Westerly winds will become Easterly and increase to moderate by the evening.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued by the National Weather Service for Friday morning into Friday evening. Tomorrow heavy snow and moderate winds are expected on the Kenai Peninsula and could bring another 1-2′ of snow to the area. Temperatures are expected to warm up and the rain/snow line could reach as high as 1500′.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 13F | 0 | 0 | 51 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 7F | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 13F | 0 | 0 | 36 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 9F | WNW | 5 | 23 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 12F | WNW | 8 | 35 |
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.