Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast
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A generally LOW avalanche danger remains across the advisory area. Triggering a slab avalanche is unlikely. Watch for sluffing on steep shaded slopes, avoid travel under glide cracks and give cornices a wide berth. Pay attention to changing conditions.
After a beautiful sunny day in the mountains clouds moved back into the area overnight. There is a chance of snow today and increased easterly winds but this should not have much impact on avalanche hazard. Watch for changing conditions if more snow falls than forecasted.
Today will be another day of Normal Caution (LOW danger). Things to keep in mind if you are headed into the backcountry:
In anticipation of snow, we have been closely mapping the surface conditions as well as watching for new surface hoar growth. Surface hoar has been observed from valley bottoms to the Alpine and is resting on a variety of surfaces. There is a stout sun crust on southerly facing slopes. On shaded aspects 4-8″ or so of soft near surface facets sit over a firmer base and sastrugi, wind crust and/or rime crust can be found along ridgelines. The question is will it snow just enough today to bury the surface hoar and will we call it the “Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras” weak layer? Hopefully some surface hoar will be knocked over by the wind!
Surface hoar, Tincan, 3-4-19. Photo: Eeva Latosuo
Sun crust with surface hoar and stellars (from Sunday), Twin Peaks, 3-4-19.
Yesterday: Partly cloudy skies becoming mostly sunny. There was some valley fog in the morning. Winds were light and temperatures were in the teens to 20Fs at upper elevations and in the 30Fs at sea level. Overnight clouds moved in and winds picked up slightly. Temperatures were in the teens to 20Fs.
Today: Mostly cloudy skies with a chance of snow showers. Winds will be southeasterly 5-15 mph with gusts into the 20s. Temperatures will be in the 20Fs. Overnight looks to be similar with winds becoming calm.
Tomorrow: Continued cloudy skies with a chance of snow, calm winds and temperatures in the 20Fs. A more promising storm still looks to be on track for the weekend.
Temp Avg (F) | Snow (in) | Water (in) | Snow Depth (in) | |
Center Ridge (1880′) | 25 | 0 | 0 | 58 |
Summit Lake (1400′) | 19 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
Alyeska Mid (1700′) | 24 | 0 | 0 | 53 |
Temp Avg (F) | Wind Dir | Wind Avg (mph) | Wind Gust (mph) | |
Sunburst (3812′) | 17 | E | 4 | 18 |
Seattle Ridge (2400′) | 22 | E | 5 | 14 |
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.