Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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In Turnagain Pass there is a LOW avalanche danger in the backcountry at all elevations. Remember LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Be aware of fast moving €˜sluff’ where getting knocked over could have high consequences. In the afternoon on solar aspects triggering a wet loose avalanche may be possible should the snow become wet or moist. Give Cornices and glide cracks extra space and avoid being under these features.
Placer/Skookum: Triggering a slab avalanche up to 2′ thick in steep terrain is becoming unlikely, but its not completely out of the questions. In this area – it will be extra important to avoid solar aspects should you notice any wet surface snow or wet loose activity on Southerly slopes.
Good travel habits remain important, even during ‘green light conditions’. This includes exposing only one person at a time on a slope, watching your partners closely and having an escape route planned in case the snow moves.
Read the Saturday Summit Summary HERE.
The deadline is fast approaching! Consider showing your support for public avalanche centers when applying for your 2017 PFD!! Friends of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center is an official Pick. Click. Give. organization!
Cool temperatures and mild weather this week have been helping the snowpack adjust to a storm that left 6” to 30” of snow throughout our region last Sunday (3/19/17). Slope testers have been hitting the slopes hard and its been several days since any avalanche activity has been reported. Most of these avalanches have been small slabs, not well connected, and have been mostly on solar aspects during the heat of the day. This serves as a good reminder to pay attention to surface conditions as daily warming and sun may cause a sun crust on Southerly aspects to break down. Today’s cloud cover (if thin) and temperatures in the high 20F’s could act as ‘green house’ – trapping warm air. Should you notice wet surface snow or roller balls, it may be possible to trigger a wet avalanche in the afternoon. In Placer/Skookum where snow totals were deeper (2+’ deep), unexpected warming today could ripen the conditions for a bigger avalanche in this zone. Any natural or human triggered wet loose activity will be a sign to avoid steep Southerly slopes in the afternoon. Also be aware of the following avalanche problems:
LOOSE SNOW AVALANCHES (SLUFFS): Human triggered dry loose snow avalanches continue to be easily triggered on steep slopes without a sun crust on the surface. Watch your sluff if headed to steep terrain with loose surface snow, they could be larger and run further than expected.
CORNICES: There has been a couple of cornice breaks after the storm and cornices are always worth giving a wide berth. Direct sunshine and warming can help to loosen them.
GLIDE CRACKS: Glide cracks continue to slowly ooze open on Seattle Ridge, Tincan’s Library, Lynx creek and other zones. Keep an eye out for them and limit time spent underneath.
Although this avalanche was from a earlier in the week, if the sun crust starts to become wet today, triggering a wet avalanche may be possible.
One of several glide cracks opening up in Lynx Creek on a Southeast aspect.
Yesterday skies were clear. Temperatures in the morning were around 10F increasing into the high 20F’s by mid afternoon. Temperatures in the alpine reached 20F. Winds were light from the East and no new precipitation occurred.
Today skies are expected to be mostly cloudy with isolated snow showers, but the sun may still pop out at times. By this evening more cloud cover is expected and up to an inch of snow is possible. Daily temperatures swings are expected to range from 20F to 30F by mid day. Ridge top winds should remain light (5-10mph) from the East.
Tomorrow scattered snow showers are likely. Similar temperatures are expected, 20F – 30F, with light winds out of the Northeast, 5-10mph. The next few days look similar. A pattern shift is expected later in the week bringing warmer temperatures, but a good deal of uncertainty remains as to how much precipitation.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 18 | 0 | 0 | 63 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 18 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 21 | 0 | 0 | 58 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 15 | NE | 5 | 13 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 17 | E | 2 | 8 |
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 |
---|---|---|
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.