Turnagain Pass

Glide cracks continue to threaten large areas of terrain throughout Turnagain Pass, Girdwood, and Summit Lake. There were several new glide avalanches seen yesterday from the Seward Hwy, and a large glide released on the East face of Seattle Ridge a few days ago. Glide cracks are on all aspects within the mid-elevation band (1000′-2500′), and some areas like the SW face of Cornbiscuit and Tincan are covered. This avalanche problem is impossible to predict and is not associated with human triggers. We have been talking about the glide avalanche problem for over two months in the advisory and as long as glide cracks continue to open up, move and release, we will stress the importance of avoiding them. 

Yesterday a glide on the Southwest aspect of Orca released mid day. Click HERE is see more photos of glides that released in the last 2 days. 

Glides cracks on the SW face of Cornbiscuit as seen yesterday. Photo by Liz Rapetto. Click HERE for an observation that shows a portion of a glide (out of view) that partially released on Cornbiscuit.

In the alpine be on the lookout for a variety of surface snow instabilities and changing conditions later in the day.

Wind Slabs: Today as ridgetop winds start to increase by late afternoon be aware of newly forming wind slabs in steep terrain. Should you see blowing snow or shooting cracks consider altering your plans. This is the kind of hazard that might catch you off guard in the afternoon as conditions change.

Loose snow: On shaded aspects dry loose snow sluffing will warrant management in steep terrain.  Sluffs have been fast moving with the ability to entrain a significant amount of surface snow in big terrain. On solar aspects pay attention to how the sun is warming the surface snow. Triggering a wet loose avalanche may be possible if the sun is packing some heat today.

Cornice falls: Very large cornice features can be found along most ridgetops throughout Turnagain Pass. Cornices have a tendency to break further back than expected. Give them lots of space, and limit time under them. Should you get too close, a snowmachine or person could tip the balance.