A storm has moved into our region bringing strong winds, rain and heavy snow above 2000’. Overnight Easterly ridgetop winds increased into the 30s mph with gusts in the 60s mph. Winds will remain strong all day. An estimated 2-4” of snow has fallen overnight in the upper elevations of Turnagain and Girdwood. Portage has seen heavy rain. An additional 6-12” of new snow is expected in the upper elevations (0.6-0.8” of rain) for Girdwood and the North end of Turnagain Pass. Interior areas will see less precipitation. Wind slab size will depend on how much snow falls in the area you are traveling.
New snow will be falling on a variety of slick surfaces and bonding may be poor. Today’s visibility will make for difficult travel in the alpine due to blowing snow. Be on the lookout for shooting cracks and avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Look for pillowed snow along ridgelines and be cautious of fresh drifts. Small natural wind slabs are possible in very steep channeled terrain due to the intensity of wind. Cornices will also be growing and could release naturally.
WET LOOSE: In the lower elevations below 2000’ triggering a wet loose avalanche will become possible as rain starts breaking down surface crusts. If the snow becomes wet and unsupportable avoid steep terrain features and terrain traps. **Keep in mind it’s springtime and be ready for wet loose activity in the alpine if the sun comes out and starts heating up the new snow. This is more likely further from the coast as the storm front moves out of the region.
Slick Crusts exist on W-S-E aspects in the alpine (left photo) and a 4-6″ of soft snow is sitting on near surface facets and buried surface hoar on some North aspects (photo on right.)
Corniced Ridge in Girdwood Valley – Cornices will be growing today with strong wind and new snow. Give these features lots of space along ridge lines and avoid being under them.
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