Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all aspects above 2000′ where triggering an avalanche 1-2+’ thick is possible on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Triggering an isolated wind slab avalanche is also possible today near ridgetops that have been loaded by winds over the past week. Below 2000′ in the trees where the snow is loose and unconsolidated the avalanche danger remains LOW.
If headed to Summit Lake check out the Summit Lake Summary HERE.
***Out of area: Click HERE to check out an observation about a human triggered avalanche in the Anchorage Front Range on Dec. 5.
Planning on taking an avalanche class? The Friends of the CNFAIC is offering two avalanche scholarships through the Rob Hammel fund. Both scholarships are for $500. One is for avalanche professionals and the other is open to anyone! The deadline for both scholarships is Dec 15th! For more information click this link HERE.
A 1-2+’ slab sitting on top of a widespread layer of buried surface hoar continues to warrant caution in the alpine throughout Turnagain Pass. This layer was formed in mid November and was the cause of dozens of human triggered avalanches over several weeks. Observers continue to find this layer on all aspects above 2000’ and many stability tests still show propagation potential. However without any major weather factors adding stress to the snowpack this layer is becoming more stubborn and difficult to trigger with time. The places most suspect are large steep slopes (>35 degrees) that haven’t avalanched. Since we don’t have X-ray vision of the entire snowpack and evidence of natural avalanche activity was limited during several storms, uncertainty exists in terrain that hasn’t seen much traffic. The presence of surface hoar within the snowpack should be part of your slope choices today especially if you are venturing into steeper untracked areas. Consider the consequences of an avalanche before committing to a route and always use safe travel protocols.
The two photos below are examples of where the buried surface hoar continues to be reactive in test pits. Check out observations from Dec.6 at Sunburst and Dec.5 at Tincan.
Several wind events over the last week have formed wind slabs near and below ridgetops on a variety of aspects. Stiff supportable wind slabs formed in thin rocky areas may pop once you are out onto the slab. Be wary of hard over soft snow, hollow sounds and steep slopes with obvious deposition in the start zone.
Yesterday was overcast with low temperatures around 15F and highs around 23F. Winds were calm. No new precipitation was recorded in Turnagain Pass, and an inch of snow fell in Girdwood overnight.
Today skies will be mostly sunny with a chance of light snow showers. Expect light ridgetop winds to be shifting from the East to a more Northerly direction and temperatures will be in the teens (F) to low 20F’s.
A similar pattern is expected into the weekend with temperatures dipping back into the single digits and possibly cooler.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 21 | 0 | 0 | 19 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 16 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 18 | .05 | 1 | 8 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 20 | ENE | 4 | 17 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 23 | ESE | 1 | 2 |
Date | Region | Location | Observer |
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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 |
01/25/23 | Turnagain | Observation: Cornbiscuit | John Sykes Forecaster |
01/22/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Tincan | Schauer/ Guinn |
01/21/23 | Turnagain | Avalanche: Seattle Ridge | Elias Holt |
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.