Turnagain Pass Forecast Archives
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Conditions Update We continue to watch the weather with hopes for a colder storm, #snowtosealevel. After a partly sunny Veterans Day the forecast for this week looks to have precipitation but not snow producing temps. Upper elevation terrain (above 4000′) received a little new snow this past week. Sunshine and warmer temperatures on Friday and [Read More] | ||
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Conditions Update It continues to be a warm start to our winter in the Turnagain Pass region. Sadly there is not much new to report. We are watching the temperatures and thinking cold thoughts. Follow the National Weather Service’s Recreational Report for the mountain weather forecast. The thin wet snow cover begins around 2,500′ with [Read More] | ||
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Late October Update It’s been a warm start to our winter over in the Turnagain Pass region. While Hatcher Pass has been reaping the early season snow (as is common and don’t forget to check hpavalanche.org and their Facebook page), Turnagain has been left in the dust. Images below tell the picture. A thin wet [Read More] | ||
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WELCOME to the 2019/2020 winter season! The snow-line is creeping down the mountainsides and that means the CNFAIC is getting ready for another fantastic winter season! Office doors open at the Avalanche Center in Girdwood during the last week in October. We will be issuing intermittent snow, weather and avalanche updates as conditions warrant through [Read More] | ||
 Spring Conditions
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The CNFAIC is no longer issuing avalanche advisories for Turnagain Pass and surrounding regions. Although the forecast season has finished, the avalanche season has not – please see below for some SPRINGTIME AVALANCHE TIPS!! Current conditions? Keep tabs on our Observation Page! We will be posting all observations/reports sent in to us. “Like” the [Read More] | ||
 Wind Slabs
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 Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 2500′ due to active wind loading and new snow. Human triggered wind slabs 1-2′ may be tender on leeward slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Triggering a slab 2-3′ in older snow on Northerly aspects above 2500′ is possible and could propagate across an entire slope. If the sun makes [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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 Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Human triggered slab avalanches 1-3′ are possible on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Watch for warming and wet loose activity on solar aspects if the sun makes an appearance. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, ease into steep terrain and look for signs of instability. As always, give cornices [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ due to strong winds and a mix of rain and snow impacting the area today. Natural avalanches are possible. Human triggered slab avalanches 1-3′ will be likely above 2000′. Below 2000′ where rain is falling, triggering wet loose avalanches will be likely. Extra caution is advised. As always, [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE for avalanches composed of the 6 – 12+” of new snow. On Northerly slopes above 2,500′ dry slab avalanches 6-18+” thick will be possible to trigger. On Southerly facing slopes and all aspects below 2,500′ wet loose avalanches are possible with daytime warming and solar radiation. Give cornices a wide [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes above 2,500′. Triggering a slab 1-2′ deep is possible on steep Northerly slopes in the Alpine. Pay attention to changing conditions and as always, give cornices a wide berth and limit travel under glide cracks. PORTAGE VALLEY: Cornice fall and/or avalanches from above have the potential to send [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes above 2,500′. Triggering a slab 1-2′ deep is possible on steep Northern aspects in the alpine. Triggering a wet-loose avalanche is possible with daily warming on steep Southern aspects. Pay attention to surfaces conditions and if you notice the snow becoming wet and unsupportable – transition to firmer [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes above 2,500′. Wet loose sluffs could be easy to initiate on steep sunny slopes by this afternoon/evening. Sluffs could become larger than expected if surface warming melts the top 4-6″ of the snowpack. On high elevation north aspects (above 3,000′), triggering a dry slab avalanche may be possible [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger will be CONSIDERABLE at the upper elevations today. On northerly aspects, dry snow and winter conditions exist. Triggering a slab avalanche 1-3′ thick is possible and very cautious travel and snowpack evaluation is recommended. On southerly aspects, sunny skies and daytime warming are expected to create natural wet loose avalanches in Thursday’s [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today above 2500′ where strong winds and new snow have created touchy slabs 1-3′ thick. In the Treeline zone (1000′-2500′) the avalanche danger is MODERATE where the snowpack transitions from wet snow to dry snow. Within this zone triggering a wet loose avalanche or storm slab is possible. Any sign [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today above 2500′. Triggering a wind slab up to 12 € thick will be possible on steep leeward features due to strong wind and new snow. Below 2500′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE where triggering a wet loose avalanche is possible. Avoid traveling below glide cracks and cornices. Should the [Read More] | ||
 Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is generally LOW throughout the region. Keep in mind, glide avalanches are still a concern and can release at anytime. Continue to watch for and avoid/limit travel under glide cracks. Additionally, give cornices a wide berth while traveling along ridgelines. Triggering a wet loose sluff may be possible on steep sunny slopes [Read More] | ||
 Glide Avalanches
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE at all elevations. In the mid-elevations, glide avalanches continue to release sporadically and are creating a dangerous and unpredictable hazard. Limit any travel under glide cracks. Additionally, wet loose sluffs are possible on saturated steep slopes below 2,000′. In the Alpine, watch for areas with new wind-drifted snow where small [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE today at all elevations. Glide cracks have been releasing into avalanches in many popular recreating areas and pose a hazard to anyone traveling under glide cracks. Additionally, due to recent rain/snow triggering a wet loose avalanche on solar aspects or a shallow wind slab on shaded, steep, leeward features in [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today at all elevations. Triggering a shallow wind slab will be possible on steep leeward features in the Alpine due to new snow and wind. Be prepared for small natural wet loose activity on solar aspects in the Alpine if the sun makes an appearance today. Below 3000′ glide cracks [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today at all elevations. Triggering a wind slab up to 10″ thick will be possible on steep leeward features due to new snow and strong wind. Below 3000′ glide cracks may avalanche without warning in popular terrain. Plan your route to avoid traveling under existing cracks. Additionally triggering a wet [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE for glide avalanches. Glide cracks have been releasing into avalanches in many popular recreating areas and pose a hazard to anyone traveling under glide cracks. Additionally, human triggered wet loose avalanches are possible if southerly slopes warm enough to soften surface crusts. As always, give cornices a wide berth – [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE due to the potential for a glide crack to avalanche naturally without warning. Most glide cracks are located in the treeline zone on East – South – West aspects below 3000′. Identify terrain with glide cracks and plan your route to avoid travel directly below these unpredictable hazards. [Read More] | ||
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Glide Avalanches
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE due to the possibility of glide avalanches releasing naturally. Identify terrain with glide cracks and plan your route to avoid travel directly below these unpredictable hazards. Triggering a wet loose avalanche is possible in the afternoon and evening on steep Southern aspects. Monitor surface conditions and transition to firmer slopes [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Glide Avalanches
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Warm temperatures and direct sunlight will increase the avalanche danger from LOW this morning to MODERATE by this afternoon/evening. Human triggered wet loose avalanches on steep, solar aspects, especially above 3000′, are possible once the sun softens surface crusts and weakens the snowpack. Avoid being under glide cracks and give cornices an extra wide berth! [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Glide Avalanches
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Another day of VERY WARM temperatures will increase the avalanche danger from LOW this morning to CONSIDERABLE by this afternoon/evening. Dangerous wet loose, wet slab and glide avalanches may release naturally once the sun softens surface crusts and weakens the snowpack. All steep slopes above 1,000′ facing East, South and West that see direct sunshine [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Glide Avalanches
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VERY WARM temperatures will increase the avalanche danger from LOW this morning to CONSIDERABLE by this afternoon/evening. Large and dangerous wet loose, wet slab and glide avalanches may release naturally once the sun softens surface crusts and weakens the snowpack. All slopes above 1,000′ facing East, South and West that see direct sunshine should be [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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 Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is LOW below 3,000′ this morning and will rise to CONSIDERABLE this afternoon/evening with the heat of the day. Once surface crusts soften and become unsupportable, human triggered wet loose avalanches will be likely on steep sunny slopes. These could be large and dangerous in big terrain and could initiate a wet [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is generally LOW in the morning below 3000′, but is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE by late afternoon on steep Southern aspects where initiating a wet loose avalanche is likely. Above 3000′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE where triggering a deeper more dangerous slab avalanche is possible. Later in the day with [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE across the Advisory area this morning but will rise to CONSIDERABLE above 2000′ on South (SE-SW) aspects due to the possibility of wet loose avalanches and glide avalanches in the afternoon. With warm temperatures and direct sunshine on steep, solar aspects triggering a large, dangerous deep slab avalanche in the [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE across the Advisory area this morning but will rise to CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine later in the day and natural deep slab and wet loose avalanches will become possible. With warm temperatures and direct sunshine on steep, solar aspects triggering a large, dangerous slab avalanche in the Alpine is also [Read More] | ||
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Wet Loose
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE across the Advisory area today. Warm temperatures and direct sunshine will make triggering a wet loose avalanche possible on steep, solar aspects. Triggering a large, dangerous slab avalanche in the Alpine is also still possible. Choose terrain carefully. Give cornices and glide cracks a wide berth. Pay attention to changing [Read More] | ||
 Wet Slab
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE this morning but will increase to HIGH by this afternoon with direct sunlight and very warm air temperatures making natural large wet slab avalanches likely. This is the first day of sunshine after many inches of rain and feet of snow at upper elevations. The snowpack needs time to adjust, [Read More] | ||
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Wet Slab
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A HIGH avalanche danger remains over the region. Warm and wet weather continues to melt down the snowpack and cause large wet slab and wet loose avalanches to release naturally. These avalanches are occurring on slopes near and below 3,000′. They are gouging to the ground, running to valley bottoms at times and very destructive. [Read More] | ||
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Wet Slab
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The avalanche danger remains HIGH due to wet and stormy weather causing large wet slab avalanches to release naturally. These avalanches are occurring on slopes near and below 3,000′ and have been taking much of the season’s snowpack with them, which is sending dirty debris to valley bottoms. Above 3,000′ storm snow avalanches and cornice [Read More] | ||
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Wet Slab
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The avalanche danger will remain HIGH today due to heavy rain, above freezing temperatures and strong wind in Turnagain Pass, Girdwood, and Portage. Natural wet slab avalanches are likely below 3000′. In the alpine natural storm slabs 2-3+ feet deep are also likely today and have the potential to step down into a very deep [Read More] | ||
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Wet Slab
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The avalanche danger will remain HIGH today for Turnagain Pass, Girdwood and Portage due to above freezing temperatures and the likelihood of natural wet slab avalanches below 3000′. In the alpine natural and human triggered storm slab 2-3′ deep are likely today and have the potential to step down into a very deep and dangerous [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger will rise to HIGH today and large to very large natural avalanches will become likely. Very warm temperatures, heavy precipitation with a rising rain/snow line and strong winds will impact the region. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avalanches have the potential to be very deep and dangerous. PORTAGE VALLEY: [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. Very large avalanches occurred naturally Sunday and Monday sending debris far into runout zones and through flat areas. Slopes are loaded with 8 to 15 feet of snow. Today is a break between storms. However, natural avalanches are still possible and human triggered avalanches are likely today. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains HIGH in the backcountry. Very large avalanches occurred naturally yesterday and are expected to keep releasing today. Ten days of stormy weather has been loading slopes with 8 to 15 feet of snow, which is peeling off the mountains. These slides are big and have been sending debris far into runout [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Another storm hitting the region today will keep the avalanche danger HIGH. Large and dangerous avalanches continue to release naturally as rain, snow and wind impact the area. Avalanches releasing in the high elevations have been sending debris to valley floors, which is expected again today. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Avoid slopes [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is HIGH for a fourth consecutive day given the continuation of a series of warm, wet and windy storms depositing heavy snow and rain in rapid succession in the Turnagain Pass area. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended again today. Avoid slopes 30 degrees or steeper, including runout zones. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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HIGH avalanche danger remains in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, and Portage Valley. Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected on all slopes 30 degrees and steeper – including runout zones. Avalanches are expected to release naturally, be easily triggered by people and send debris to valley floors. Travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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A BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING has been issued through the National Weather Service for the Turnagain Pass area and surrounding mountains. Heavy snowfall and strong winds have created a HIGH avalanche danger in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, Portage Valley, and areas on the Kenai including Summit Lake and the Seward zone. Dangerous avalanche [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger will rise to HIGH danger above 2000 ft by this evening for Turnagain Pass, Girdwood, and Portage Valley. Human triggered avalanches 1-3 ft deep are likely this afternoon and large natural avalanches will become more likely as snow totals increase. Below 2000 ft expect storm slabs to increase to 1+ feet thick [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wet Loose
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine today. Human triggered slab avalanches 2-3′ thick are likely on steep slopes above 2000′. A MODERATE danger exists at Treeline and below where triggering an avalanche is still possible. Pay attention to changing conditions on solar aspects and with warming temperatures in the afternoon. Watch for roller [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. Human triggered slab avalanches 2-3′ thick are likely on steep slopes and may be triggered remotely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. Give cornices a wide berth and watch for wet snow moving in low elevation terrain. SUMMIT LAKE: Despite only a few [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains HIGH above treeline and is CONSIDERABLE below treeline. Human triggered large slab avalanches will be likely on steep windloaded slopes. Slabs will be in the 2-3′ thick range and may be found in sheltered zones. These could be triggered remotely from ridgelines or from below. Additionally, cornice falls will be likely. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE this morning due to 1-2 feet of new snow in the past 24-hours. The danger is expected to rise to HIGH this evening as another round of snow and wind moves in. Human triggered slab avalanches, up to 2+ feet thick, will be likely. Natural avalanches will be possible. The [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger has risen to CONSIDERABLE for Turnagain Pass, Girdwood, Placer Valley and the Seward zone due to strong winds and a mix of rain and snow. Above 1000′ triggering storm slabs up to 1′ thick is likely on slopes steeper than 35 degrees today. Below 1000′ loose-wet avalanches are possible. Careful snowpack [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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LOW avalanche danger is expected today, but if more snow falls than forecasted, the danger may rise to MODERATE. Pay attention to changing weather. Watch for shallow wind slabs forming in the afternoon with 1-2″ of new snow and increasing winds. Avoid travel under glide cracks and give cornices a wide berth. Good travel [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.