Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine where triggering a wind slab 1-2′ thick is likely on steep leeward features where strong winds have been actively transporting snow. In the high elevations slopes (above 3,000′) winds have been adding stress to a more dangerous deep slab problem that could release near the ground. Obvious clues like €˜whumpfing’ and shooting cracks may not be present until its too late. Careful snowpack evaluation and cautious route-finding are essential today.
The avalanche danger below 2500′ is MODERATE for wind slab avalanches around a foot thick. At these lower elevations, watch for wind loaded slopes where triggering a shallow wind slab is possible. There is no hazard below 1,000′ due to lack of snow.
**Click HERE for the Summit Lake Summary
Large plumes of blowing snow were present yesterday along all the tallest peaks around our region and strong Easterly winds are expected to continue today. Wind loaded snow could be on all aspects due to top loading and cross loading. These slabs will be hard and supportable and have the classic smooth pillow shaped look. Wind slabs could easily be located further down slope than expected and have the potential to fracture above you. Triggering even a small wind slab could have very high consequences especially in the upper elevations where there is also a potential for initiating a much larger and more dangerous deep slab avalanche. More on this below. Should you go into the upper elevations maintain a conservative mind-set and avoid big objective slopes including their runout zones.
Active wind loading as seen yestereday on Big Chief in the Seattle Creek area.
Variable surfaces are preseent throughout the alpine. Note the crossloading pattern including the pillowed shaped snow loaded along gullies on the SE aspect of Seattle Ridge
On December 20th, two skiers were approaching Pastoral and remotely triggered a very large avalanche from below. Luckily they were able to run from its path and avoid being caught. This is a very scary set-up that is likely not going away soon. Deep slabs are located in the upper elevations of our forecast zone, above 3000’, on slopes that did not avalanche during the early December storm cycle. The snowpack ranges from 3-5+’ thick and is sitting on weak basal facets. Observations over the last few weeks indicate this poor structure set-up is widespread across our region in the alpine elevations. This is a high consequence avalanche problem that is impossible to outsmart. Keep in mind:
Photo taken on Dec.21, the day after the Pastoral avalanche. Approximate route of where the party triggered this avalanche and retreated out of its way.
Photo taken on Dec.21st when strong winds started impacting our region. Note theNorthern Chutes on lookers left side have not avalanche yet and are actively loading snow.
For more info on the snowpack from this incident click HERE and more details about this avalanche click HERE.
Yesterday skis were partly cloudy with strong Easterly winds averaging in the mid 20’s with gusts in the 60’s. Warm air was observed at lower elevations mid to low 30F’s and temps in the mid 20F’s along ridgetops. No precipitation was recorded.
Today expect skies to be mostly sunny with Easterly winds elevated averaging in the 20’s with gusts in the 40’s. Day time temps at 1000′ are expected to be in the mid to low 30F’s and dip down to mid 20F’s overnight. High clouds are expected to move into our region tonight with a few flakes possible overnight.
Scattered snow showers are possible tomorrow, but little to no accumulation is expected. Temperatures are expected to range from 20F-30F. Winds should decrease tomorrow morning and remain Light from the East.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 31 | 0 | 0 | 31 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 25 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 32 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 24 | ENE | 27 | 69 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 28 | ESE | 20 | 51 |
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 |
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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.