Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

Wind Slabs: Evidence of many large avalanches can be seen throughout Turnagain Pass following a two-day storm that brought strong Northeast winds, rain below 2500’ and 2.5’ of new snow in the Alpine. Wind slabs were active mid to late storm (Jan.27-28), but are healing quickly with cooling temperatures. Triggering a wind slab 1-3’ thick is still possible today in steep terrain where the snow is unsupported. Be on the look out for obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks or active wind loading. Be aware that both the Sunburst and Seattle Ridge anemometers are not functioning and current wind data is not available.

Cornices: With recent snow and wind loading, we can expect cornices to be tender. Remember cornices often break farther back than expected and can add a significant load to the slope below when they fall. Avoid travel on or below them. 

Human Factor: Anticipate parking lots to be full and lots of people recreating throughout Turnagain Pass. Actively communicate with other groups and always practice these safe travel rituals to minimize your exposure in avalanche terrain.

1. Only expose one person at a time on slopes steeper than 35°
2. Regroup in safe zones away from the runout of a steep slope
3. Always have an escape zone 

Several crowns were observed in Todd’s Bowl and in the background on Eddies SW face, all likely occurred near the end of the Jan.27-28 storm.

A large D3 wet slab occured mid storm on an East aspect of Seattle Ridge, just South of the motorized lot. Cooling temperatures have helped to quickly stablize this avalanche problem.

The addition of rain and 2-3’ of new snow has accelerated the glide avalanche problem. Big brown streaks can be seen on many aspects of Turnagain Pass, including Seattle Ridge, Eddies, Wolverine, and Cornbiscuit. This problem is becoming more widespread in steep terrain between 1000’ to 2500’ where many more cracks have opened up and continue to widen. Since glide cracks can spontaneously release at any time, identify and avoid slopes with known cracks. We could see increased activity today with cooling temperatures – which is thought to be a possible trigger following a period of active loading and rain. 

Recent glide avalanche on the East face of Seattle Ridge, North of the Motorized uptrack

This glide avalanched mid storm and is now covered by new snow, but be aware that glide cracks litter the entire East Face of Seattle Ridge.

With several feet of new snow and cooling temperatures triggering a point release is possible. Typically loose snow avalanches are not big enough to bury a person, but can catch you by surprise in the wrong place. This is an important hazard to manage in steep terrain where falling can have high consequences.