Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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There is a shift in the weather as colder air moves into the region. We will continue to post updates on conditions and some educational reminders for the season. Daily advisories will begin the week before Thanksgiving if there is enough of the white stuff!
Today’s educational theme is GET THE PICTURE and it’s the fourth of the five GETS! Know Before You Go video link.
Part of GETTING THE PICTURE and the foundation to staying safe in the backcountry is recognizing avalanche terrain. Ask yourself: Can I accurately identify avalanche terrain? Can I tell if a slope is greater than 30 degrees? Am I in avalanche terrain? Take an avalanche class, learn what terrain is capable of producing an avalanche. Practice! Practice! Practice! We will talk more about how to travel on Thursday when we highlight GET OUT OF HARM’S WAY.
Speaking of avalanche terrrain, on Sunday we went to Crow Pass trail to look at snowline and see if there was any natural activity. This popular hiking trail in the summer can be very hazardous once there is snow on the ground. The hiking trail crosses through multiple avalanche paths. A small avalanche starting above could have high consequences. Travel on this trail is not recommended in the winter.
Note the hiker walking through avalanche debris on Sunday, Nov 13th. This avalanche occurred sometime during the Nov 9th and 10th warm storm.
What does GET THE PICTURE really mean?
Many avalanche accidents can be attributed to people missing clues that indicate that the snowpack is unstable.
It is important to look for these RED FLAGS everytime you go out.
1) Recent avalanches
2) Shooting cracks
3) Snowpack collapsing (whumpfing)
Has something changed that could have stressed the snowpack?
4) Recent snow or rain
5) Recent wind
6) Rapid temperature change
Use the Observation page: HERE and the Weather page: HERE, in addition to checking the Avalanche Advisory to help understand the picture before you go!
Do you have your tickets for the fundraiser at the Bear Tooth on Thursday, November 17th @ 8 pm?
Come support avalanche safety with us and enjoy, AVALANCHE INSIGHTS-with Elyse Saugstad. Elyse is a third-generation Alaskan who became one of the best women downhill racers in the country at the age of 16, with a long list of film credits and awards to her name. Her presentation will include insights into her experience as one of the skiers in the 2012 Tunnel Creek avalanche in the Cascade Mountains. Get your tix before it sells out! We hope to see you all there!
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | ||||
Summit Lake (1400′) | ||||
Alyeska Mid (1700′) |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | ||||
Seattle Ridge (2400′) |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
---|---|---|---|
02/07/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Seattle Ridge | Wagner / Keeler Forecaster |
02/07/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Pete’s North | Megan Guinn |
02/05/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Rookie Hill | Tony Naciuk |
01/31/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Johnson Pass area | Megan Guinn / W Wagner Forecaster |
01/29/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan Backdoor | AAS-Level 1 1/27-1/30 |
01/28/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | Brooke Edwards |
01/28/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | W Wagner |
01/28/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Tincan Common | Tony Naciuk |
01/27/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Sunburst | John Sykes |
01/27/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Lynx Creek | Megan Guinn / W Wagner |
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 |
---|---|---|
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.