Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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Overall generally stable avalanche conditions exist in the advisory area but with the widespread glide cracks in popular recreation terrain in the Treeline (1000′-2500′) elevation band and the possibility of triggering a large cornice fall in the Alpine, the hazard remains at MODERATE. In addition, lingering pockets of wind slab and loose snow avalanches may be triggered in steep terrain. Practice safe travel techniques and take inventory of surface conditions as a storm approaches for the weekend. Watch for changing conditions if snow and winds pick up earlier than forecasted.
Glide avalanches continue to release and glide cracks are growing daily. An observer on Wednesday noted movement in the Cornbiscuit glide crack over the course of two ski runs. There was glide avalanche that was observed on south face of Manitoba yesterday that occured sometime between 12 pm-4pm. Glide avalanches are still totally unpredictable and travel underneath glide cracks should be avoided.
Recent glide avalanche in the Seattle Creek drainage. This was initially observed Wednesday afternoon and Wendy got a photo of it yesterday.
The Cornbiscuit glide crack is huge, growing and scary… It is worth checking out the other photos from the observation on Wednesday.
Photo: Kevan Dee
The cornices are impressive and hang over many slopes in the advisory area. There was a report of a snowmachine triggered cornice fall in Warmup Bowl on Wednesday that took the rider by surprise. They luckily did not go over with the falling chunks of snow. Cornices have the potential to be quite dangerous if you take ride with them or if they fall from above onto you. Avoid travel on top, watch for cornice cracks and limit exposure while traveling below. We are not ruling out the possibility of a large cornice fall triggering an avalanche on the slope below due the massive loading potential.
Snowmachine triggered cornice fall in Warmup Bowl on Wednesday.
Today is a transitional day as we say goodbye to the sunshine and the clouds move in with the possibility of snow showers. Depending on the thickness of the cloud cover we may still see some surface warming of the snowpack. We have had no reports of human triggered avalanches in the past few days. There is still the possibility of triggering lingering wind slabs in steep leeward terrain, especially unsupported convex slopes. If you are out in the mountains it is worth checking out surface conditions, as these will be what the next wave of snow hopefully bonds to. Southerly slopes have a crust; there have been reports of small surface hoar formation in some areas and in protected areas loose snow is starting to facet. In addition there is a wide array of wind-affected snow at higher elevations and a delightful rain crust lower down.
Loose snow avalanches: Steep protected areas have loose snow that may be enough to push you off your feet if it gains enough force and mass as it travels down slope with you. Manage your sluff by moving out of its path before it hits you.
Surface conditions at Turnagain pass.
Yesterday was clear and sunny. There were some patches of valley fog. Temperatures were in the mid 20Fs to upper 30Fs. The winds were light and easterly. Temperatures dropped into the high teens to mid 20Fs overnight.
Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the morning, increasing in the afternoon. 0-3″ of snow is possible. East winds will be light and temperatures will be in the mid 20Fs to 30Fs.
Rain and snow showers are forecasted tonight and tomorrow. This pattern will continue through the weekend as a low in the Gulf spins a series of weather systems into the area.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 26 | 0 | 0 | 138 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 23 | 0 | 0 | 42 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 25 | 0 | 0 | 104 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 22 | ENE | 10 | 22 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 25 | – | – | – |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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04/21/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Schauer/ Behney Forecaster |
04/19/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Triangle, Seattle creek | Will Morrison |
04/18/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Turnagain Pass Road Obs | Andy Moderow |
04/18/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Seattle Ridge, approximately 300 yards south of the up track | Brent Byrne |
04/17/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Road obs | Johnston-Bloom / Moderow Forecaster |
04/16/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | Wendy Wagner Forecaster |
04/16/21 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Turnagain Pass, non-motorized side seen from Seattle Ridge | CNFAIC Staff Forecaster |
04/16/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Lance breeding |
04/15/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan | Schauer/ Rothman Forecaster |
04/13/21 | Turnagain | Observation: Turnagain Pass Road Obs | A Schauer 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 |
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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.