Turnagain Pass
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The Bottom Line
Thanks to stormy weather during the first week of October, followed by another quick storm on Friday the 13th (of October), a dusting of snow sits above 2,500′ in the mountains near Turnagain Pass, Girdwood and on the Kenai. Although we’ve had a few folks report finding enough snow to ski/snowboard at the high elevations on glaciers, it has been Hatcher Pass with the most snow and subsequently, the most popular location last weekend. For those headed that way, check out HPAC’s facebook page for early season reports.
Early season folks: Please send us your reports so we can post them on our observation page! Simply click ‘submit observation’ under the Observation tab above. This is a huge benefit for the community and our forecasters. Remember, early season avalanches happen. A very shallow snowpack with rocks protruding can give us a false sense of security. A common set up is a thin layer of weak old snow with a layer of hard wind blown snow on top. Maybe this harder layer only exists on the upper part of a slope and releases as one ascends onto it? Maybe not? But the point is, be aware and don’t forget there are countless ways in which a layer of snow can slide. Tragically, two lives were lost in Montana a week ago due to an early season avalanche. One life in the avalanche and one the next day as the partner took his own life overcome with grief. The ripple effect of avalanche accidents is severe, as anyone that has been involved with a fatality knows. Please take a few minutes this week and read the full accident report HERE. As we embark on this season, let’s remember to be aware and prepared, returning to the parking lot and our family and friends is number 1.
Although winter is on its way, this week’s weather looks mostly clear with no precipitation forecast. This is a great time to make sure your avalanche rescue gear is in order. This means making sure your shovel and probe assemble properly and no parts are rusted and/or worn out. Your beacon has fresh batteries and your terminals are not corroded. Brush up on how to use your avalanche beacon – turn it on, does it pick up another beacon properly and vice versa? And lastly for now, check out the upcoming avalanche courses in your area!
Photo: Seattle Ridge webcam image, looking South over Turnagain Pass on Monday, October 16th.
Special Announcements
WELCOME to the 2017/2018 winter season!!
After a long summer break and with a dusting of snow on the peaks, the CNFAIC is opening the office doors for another (hopefully very snowy) winter! All staff are returning this season and everyone will be on board in November. Snow and avalanche updates will be posted intermittently as conditions warrant. Remember, you can subscribe to our email list at the bottom of this page if you have not done so already. Daily avalanche forecasts are planned to begin during Thanksgiving week – unless we are blessed with abundant early season snowfall demanding an earlier start.
Mark your calendars: SEVERAL EVENTS ARE APPROACHING QUICKLY!
This Thursday, Oct 19th
Matchstick Productions DROP EVERYTHING
Shows at 7pm & 9pm at the Wendy Williamson auditorium. Doors open 15-20min prior. See the AWESOME trailer at https://vimeo.com/225031890
This will be an action packed evening of fun and fundraising for the Alaska Avalanche School and the Friends of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center. Amazing raffle prizes will be there as always!
Tickets on sale HERE.
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Thursday, Nov 2nd
#TBT Movie Premiere – TURNAGAIN HARDCORE 6 – HIGHER!
7pm, 49th State Brewing Co Anchorage. Kick off the riding season, connect with CNFAIC and learn about snowmachine specific avalanche awareness/course opportunities with a ‘Throw Back Thursday’ premiere of Turnagain hardcore 6 – Higher!!
Tickets on sale HERE.
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Friday November 3rd
5th Annual Southcentral Alaska Avalanche Workshop
9am – 4:30pm, Alaska Pacific University. Join us for the 5th annual SAAW. Alaska’s southcentral avalanche community will team up with snow professionals from around the region, Colorado and Wyoming to share knowledge and advancements. This is a ‘must attend’ event for avalanche professionals and an excellent way for recreational backcountry users to delve into advanced avalanche topics!
Preregistration closes on Thursday, November 2nd at 6pm. After that, you can get tickets for $20 at the door between 8:30 and 9am. Lunch, coffee, snacks and a post workshop ‘beer social’ at the Avalanche School is included. Full schedule and registration HERE.
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Thursday, Nov 16th
8pm, Annual Beartooth CNFAIC Fundraiser: An Evening with the Smileys
Mark and Janelle Smiley are a husband-wife duo that have spent the last seven years climbing the “50 Classic Climbs of North America”. Their presentation will feature incredible footage and stories from four of their journeys in Alaska. Tickets are $25 and will be available starting Oct. 24 at the Bear Tooth website and box office.
