Turnagain Pass Forecast Archives
| Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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 Dry Loose
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A generally LOW avalanche danger exists in the Turnagain Pass region. Remember, LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Loose snow avalanches (sluffs) remain possible to trigger. These could entrain a significant amount of surface snow and run to valley bottoms on steep sustained slopes. Additionally, small wind slabs could be found in steep rocky [Read More] | ||
 Wind Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for slopes in the Alpine that are being affected by the northwest winds over the region. Watch for wind drifted and loaded slopes where triggering a wind slab up to a foot thick will be possible. Slopes that have not seen wind effect have a generally LOW avalanche danger and [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE in the Alpine. An increase in winds are forecast and triggering a fresh wind slab avalanche, composed of the loose snow from the storm on 1/20, is possible. Where wind has not had an affect, and below 2500′, the danger is LOW where concerns for human triggered loose sluff [Read More] | ||
 Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1,000′. Triggering a shallow soft slab avalanche is possible where Monday’s snow is more cohesive due to past wind and/or warmer temperatures. Loose snow sluffs are expected to be easy to trigger on steep slopes. These could entrain a significant amount of snow and create a larger avalanche than [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations. With 10″ inches of low density snow in the past 36 hours it’s possible for a human to trigger fast moving loose snow sluffs, which could easily entrain the older loose snow within the snowpack. Soft slab avalanches composed of the new snow may also be [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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There is a MODERATE avalanche danger today as we usher in the first winter storm since New Year’s day. 6-8″ inches of new snow overnight has added .4” of water weight over what was a very weak surface. Storm slabs and fast moving loose snow sluffs will have the potential to be problematic and will [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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A LOW avalanche danger exists in the Turnagain Pass area and could rise to MODERATE late tonight with new snow and wind moving in. In exposed steep terrain with wind affected snow, isolated wind slabs exist and may release under human trigger. Additionally, sluffs could easily be initiated and gain volume and momentum on steep [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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A generally LOW avalanche danger exists in the Turnagain Pass area at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. In exposed steep terrain with wind affected snow, watch out for isolated wind slabs. These could be sitting on weak faceted snow and may release out from under you. Additionally, watch your sluff on [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Above 2500′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Triggering a wind slab avalanche or a larger avalanche on a buried weak layer remains possible in the Alpine. Be on the lookout for wind affected snow and watch your sluff in steep protected terrain. Below 2500′ the avalanche danger is LOW and normal caution is advised. As always use safe [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Above 2500′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Triggering a large avalanche on a buried weak layer remains possible in the Alpine. Be on the lookout for wind effected snow and watch your sluff in steep protected terrain. Below 2500′ the avalanche danger is LOW and normal caution is advised. As always use safe travel protocol. SUMMIT LAKE: This [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Above 2500′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE. In the Alpine triggering a large avalanche on a buried weak layer remains possible. Pay attention to surface conditions as very hard snow could indicate lingering wind slab potential and loose snow might sluff in steep terrain. Below 2500′ the avalanche danger is LOW and normal caution is [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Above 1000′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE. It’s possible for a human to trigger a wind slab in wind loaded terrain and to trigger a large persistent slab avalanche on a buried weak layer. Remain aware of sluff in steep exposed terrain and avoid travel on cornices and under glide cracks. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. It is possible to trigger a wind slab in wind loaded terrain and there is still the potential to trigger a large persistent slab avalanche on a buried weak layer. Watch your sluff in steep protected terrain and avoid travel on cornices and under glide cracks. Evaluate snow [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Above 1000′, the avalanche danger remains MODERATE. Triggering a wind slab in wind loaded terrain or a sluff on steep protected slopes is possible. In addition, there is the potential to trigger a large avalanche on a weak layer buried 1-3′ deep. Give cornices a wide berth and limit exposure under glide cracks. *Friday afternoon [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1000′. Triggering a large avalanche on a weak layer buried 1-3′ deep is possible. In addition, there is the potential a person can trigger a lingering wind slab in wind loaded steep terrain or a sluff on steep protected slopes. Give cornices a wide berth and limit exposure under glide cracks. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE in the Treeline and Alpine elevation bands. Trigging a large slab avalanche up to 3′ thick that fails on old weak snow hidden below the surface remains possible. Additionally, triggering a shallow wind slab, up to a foot thick, remains possible in the Alpine. As always, watch your sluff, give [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1000′. Triggering a large avalanche on a weak layer buried 1-3′ deep is possible. In addition, there is the potential to trigger a small wind slab in wind loaded terrain or a sluff on steep protected slopes. Give cornices a wide berth and limit exposure under glide cracks. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1,000′. Triggering a slab avalanche up to 3 feet thick is still possible due to old weak layers that sit 1-3′ below the snow surface. Additionally, fresh shallow wind slabs may form and be triggered as an increase in westerly winds along ridgelines is expected today. As always, watch [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′ where it’s possible to trigger an avalanche breaking on a buried weak layer 1-3′ deep within the snowpack. In steep terrain manage your sluff and give glide cracks and cornices a wide margin. Remember to use terrain progression and good travel protocol. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1,000′. The possibility remains for a person to trigger a large slab, up to 3′ thick, due to a buried weak layer. Slabs are most likely to be triggered in thin areas and may also be triggered after several tracks are on a slope. Additionally, watch your sluff, these [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Triggering a large avalanche breaking on buried weak layer 1-3′ deep in the snowpack remains possible today. Watch out for sluffing in steep terrain. Choose slopes carefully with the consequences of an avalanche in mind. Use good travel protocol, give cornices a wide berth and limit time under [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′ where it’s possible to trigger an avalanche breaking on a buried weak layer 2-3′ deep within the snowpack. Watch your sluff and give glide cracks and cornices a wide berth. Remember to use terrain progression and good travel protocol. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Dry Loose
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists at and above treeline where it remains possible to trigger an avalanche breaking on a buried weak layer in the snowpack. Loose snow, lingering wind slabs and precarious cornices should also be on your avalanche radar. With several motorized areas opening today, terrain progression and good travel protocol will be [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevation bands. Triggering an avalanche breaking on a buried weak layer in the snowpack or a lingering wind slab is possible today. Watch your sluff and give cornices a wide berth. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Look for signs of instability, ease into steeper terrain and use good [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ where it’s likely for a human to trigger a large and dangerous avalanche. Wind slabs and storm slabs up to 3′ thick are our primary concern and could be triggered on the slope itself or from below, above or near the slope. Cornices have grown and remain a [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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 Wet Slab
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ today where natural avalanches are likely. Warmer temperatures and steady winds have created dense slabs 1-3′ thick. This slab sits atop a weak layer that could be easily triggered. Wet avalanches below 2,500 are possible with rain expected to fall on snow today. The avalanche conditions warrant very careful terrain [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ due to new snow, rising temperatures and strong winds in the past 24 hours. Human triggered slab avalanches 1-3′ thick are likely today and may be triggered remotely. Dangerous avalanche conditions warrant very careful terrain selection. *Low elevations: There is a chance an avalanche from above could send [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE today above 1,000′ with warming temperatures, new snow and strong wind moving in. Wind slabs 1-2′ thick will be likely to trigger on slopes seeing active wind loading. Additionally, human triggered slabs 12-16″ thick are possible on slopes out of the wind and in the trees. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Today above 1,000′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE where steep windloaded slopes are the most likely places for humans to find and trigger an avalanche. These wind slabs are estimated to be 1-2′ thick. Watch for signs of instability and give cornices and glide cracks a wide margin. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today above 1,000′. Human triggered wind slab avalanches between 1-2 feet thick will be possible. Steep windloaded slopes are the most likely places to find and trigger an avalanche. Watch for signs of instability and steer clear of cornices and glide cracks. Another storm is on the way! The NWS [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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 Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine and Treeline today. Human triggered wind slabs are likely in steep leeward terrain and natural avalanches are possible as wind-loading continues today. Careful route-finding is advised. Look for signs of instability and steer clear of cornices and glide cracks. Below Treeline there is the concern that a [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists above 1000′ and LOW danger below treeline. As winds transport snow today, it’s possible for a human to trigger wind slabs on steep leeward slopes and cross-loaded gullies. Give cornices and glide cracks a wide berth. *The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at noon today for [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE above 1,000′. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on slopes over 30 degrees with wind deposited snow. These are likely to be 4-12″ thick and could be more touchy than expected. Additionally, very shallow soft storm slabs (4-8″ thick) may be found in areas out of the wind and [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE in the Alpine. Triggering small, tender wind slabs on steep leeward slopes and cross-loaded gullies is possible today. Watch your sluff in steep protected terrain and give cornices and glide cracks a wide berth. [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger will be LOW today and is expected to rise to MODERATE tonight in the Alpine as new snow and wind impacts the forecast area. Ridgetop winds are expected to increase and transport snow this afternoon, which may begin to form small fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. Until then, watch for lingering [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists in the high Alpine (above 3,000′) and in the periphery of our forecast zone, such as Crow Pass and the far southern end of Turnagain Pass extending to Summit Lake. Although trending to unlikely, a chance may still remain for a person to trigger a large avalanche breaking near the [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists above 2500′ for lingering wind slab avalanches in steep wind-loaded terrain and cornice falls. Triggering a wind slab 1-3′ thick on an unsupported slope or cross-loaded gully is still possible. Give cornices and glide cracks a wide berth. Keep the chance of triggering a persistent slab avalanche in high elevation terrain [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists above 2,500′ for wind slab avalanches and cornice falls. Triggering a lingering wind slab 1-3′ thick is possible in steep terrain just off ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Give cornices a wide berth. They have grown and may break off easily. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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A MODERATE avalanche danger exists in the Alpine above 2,500′ for wind slab avalanches and cornice falls. Watch for fresh or lingering wind slabs from 1-3′ thick that may be possible to trigger just off ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Cornices have grown and could break off easily- they deserve a wide berth. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE in the treeline and alpine today on steep wind loaded slopes, where human triggered avalanches remain possible. Wind slabs and older storm slabs anywhere from 1 – 3′ may still be touchy after the past week of new snow and consistent winds. A chance for glide avalanches remains in the treeline [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Human triggered wind slabs and cornice falls remain possible on steep leeward slopes and gullies. Look for signs of obvious wind effect and choose terrain carefully. ***There is virtually no snow below 1000′. However, there have been a two reported natural avalanches since Friday that have run from [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine where 1-3′ of snow has fallen over the last two days. The primary concern is wind slab and cornice development in the lee of ridges and gullies where snow is likely being transported by recent winds ranging from 10-40 mph. Stay alert for signs of instability. [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. At the mid-elevations, glide avalanches continue to release. Avoid being under any crack forming in the snowpack as these are very unpredictable avalanches that release spontaneously. At the high elevations, new snow and strong wind over the last two days have created storm snow avalanche issues. This includes [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′ for a variety of avalanche problems. At the mid-elevations, glide cracks are opening and releasing into avalanches currently. Avoid being under any crack forming in the snowpack as these are very unpredictable avalanches. At the high elevations, new snow and strong wind are keeping the potential for wind [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Today, above 2500′ the danger is CONSIDERABLE where natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. East winds persist and snow continues to accumulate above 3000′ creating wind slabs and growing cornices throughout the region. The persistent warm temperatures are making the snowpack thin up to 2500′. It’s a great day to tune [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Another round of strong wind and several inches of new snow will keep the avalanche danger above 2,500′ CONSIDERABLE. Natural avalanches are possible, especially in the Portage Valley where the majority of precipitation is expected. Human triggered wind slab avalanches and cornice falls are likely region-wide as winds continue to load high elevation leeward slopes. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger above 2500′ is CONSIDERABLE. Human triggered avalanches are likely and naturals are still possible. The Alpine received heavy snow with strong winds yesterday and the snowpack needs time to adjust. Below 2500′ where most of the precipitation fell as rain the danger is MODERATE. There is no snow below 1000′ and NO [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Due to strong winds, heavy snow and rain the avalanche danger is HIGH at all elevation bands. Natural avalanches are likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. This includes low elevation terrain that is in the runout of slopes above. *Today is not the day to hike Byron Glacier trail. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE above 2,500′ in the Alpine. Slab avalanches, between 8 inches to 2 feet thick and composed of yesterday’s new snow, are likely to be triggered on upper elevation slopes. Additionally, newly formed cornices may break off easily. New snow amounts vary and areas with little new snow have a MODERATE [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′ today as a warm storm brings up to a foot of new snow with strong ridgetop winds. Another 5-8″ of snow is expected tonight. Natural avalanches composed of the new snow are possible, such as wind slabs, storm slabs and cornice falls, and human triggered avalanches [Read More] |
Below are archived forecasts for the past five years with the highest danger rating and Avalanche Problem 1 displayed in the chart. Click on a table cell to read the forecast for that day.