Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Today the avalanche conditions will be increasing as a storm moves into our region. Right now a MODERATE danger rating still applies to the Alpine and Treeline elevations where wind slabs will be developing throughout the day. Should this storm intensify beyond the forecasted 6 €, avalanche danger may reach CONSIDERABLE by late afternoon. Be on the lookout for changing conditions and alter your plans should you see any obvious signs of instability like human or natural avalanche activity.
The avalanche danger is LOW below Treeline where the snowpack is disappearing and an avalanche from above is unlikely.
*South of Turnagian Pass harbors a different snowpack structure where a variety of weak layers persist within the snowpack. Click HERE for an observation from Fresno Ridge yesterday and HERE for the Summit Lake Summary. We also found buried surface hoar responsible for a very large avalanche on Saturday in the Groundhog Creek drainage (Johnson Pass area). If travelling in these areas a cautious mindset and careful snowpack evaluation are essential.
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A series of storms with a Southerly flow will be moving through Southcentral Alaska over the next few days and into the weekend. Today ridgetop winds will be in the 20-30mph with 4-6” of new snow expected to fall throughout the day. Temperatures will continue to climb, which could bring rain as high as 1200’ by this afternoon.
Wind Slabs: Expect fresh wind slabs to be tender and isolated to leeward terrain features. These slabs will be growing throughout the day and could be as thick as 12” by this afternoon. Pay attention to the wind direction and where the snow is being loaded. Shooting cracks and any observed avalanche activity is a reminder that conditions are worsening and to avoid steeper slopes.
Cornices: Cornices will continue to grow with the addition of new snow and moderate winds. These features have been tender over the last few days and may release naturally with the additional weight of blowing snow. Give cornices lots of space by avoiding travel on or below them.
Moderate Northeasterly ridgetop winds were observed in Summit Lake, Fresno Ridge yesterday as well as in Turnagain Pass.
Glides continue to be widespread throughout Turnagain Pass in the 1000’-2500’ elevation band. Since glide cracks can spontaneously release at any time, take the time to identify slopes with this unpredictable hazard. This week with warming temperatures and forecasted rain and snow, glides will continue widening and may release without warning. Avoid steep slopes that harbor a big “brown frown.”
Glide cracks observed on the East face of Seattle Ridge from Sunburst. Photo taken on Feb.1 by Graham Predeger.
Yesterday Easterly winds started building in the afternoon; 20-30mph with gusts in the 40’s mph. Temperatures also started climbing with light rain falling below 700′. Overnight 3 € of new snow was recorded at Center Ridge Weather Station.
Today moderate Easterly ridgetop winds will continue throughout the day. 4-6 € of new snow is expected, and intensity will increase by early evening. Rain may push as high as 1200′.
Overnight 1.0 € of water is forecasted which could bring another 12 € of snow above 1200′ with rain below this elevation. Moderate Easterly winds may increase to strong by early tomorrow morning. Expect stormy conditions to continue for the next few days.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 31 | 3 | 0.3 | 92 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 31 | trace | 0.1 | 27 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 32 | 2 | 0.2 | 69 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 23 | ENE | 24 | 52 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 25 | 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.