Turnagain Pass Forecast Archives
| Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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 Deep Persistent Slabs
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 Wind Slabs
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We have issued a Special Avalanche Bulletin through the National Weather Service for the Turnagain Pass area and surrounding mountains. Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ due to the potential size and consequences of triggering an avalanche. It remains possible for a human to trigger a large and deadly slab avalanche 3-8+ deep on slopes [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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We have issued a Special Avalanche Bulletin through the National Weather Service for the Turnagain Pass area and surrounding mountains. Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations from Girdwood, though Turnagain Pass to Seward. Steady northwest winds throughout the day are expected to create wind slabs that could release naturally or likely triggered by a [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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A CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger remains at all elevations from Girdwood, though Turnagain Pass to Seward. There are many avalanche concerns, but the most dangerous is the potential that someone could trigger a large and deadly slab avalanche on slopes 30 degrees or steeper. These slabs are unmanageable and range from 3-6′ thick. They could be triggered [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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A CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations region-wide, from Girdwood, though Turnagain Pass and the Kenai to Seward. Large and deadly slab avalanches will be likely to trigger on slopes 30 degrees or steeper. These slabs range from 3-6′ thick and are nothing to mess with. They could be triggered from the ridge above [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains HIGH today due to another day of heavy snowfall and strong winds in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, Portage Valley, and areas on the Kenai including Summit Lake and the Seward/Lost Lake zone. Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected on all slopes 30 degrees and steeper – including runout zones. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is HIGH for a second day in a row due to heavy snowfall and strong winds in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, Portage Valley, and areas on the Kenai including Summit Lake and the Seward/Lost Lake zone. Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected on all slopes 30 degrees and steeper – [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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We have issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING through the National Weather Service for the Turnagain Pass area and surrounding mountains. Heavy snowfall, rain, 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 conditions [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 as the region is impacted by a storm today and tonight. Strong winds, rising temperatures and new snow will create wind and storm slabs and tender cornices. Human triggered avalanches will become likely and naturals will be possible. In addition, weak snow deeper in the snowpack has the [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at all elevations. It’s possible for a human to trigger a large slab avalanche 1-4′ below the snow surface. Although the likelihood of triggering these slab avalanches is slowly decreasing, the consequences could be deadly. Conservative terrain choices and decision making are necessary to limit the danger. Additionally, cornice breaks remain [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is a ‘scary MODERATE‘ at all elevations. Triggering a large slab avalanche, 2-4′ thick, is possible. Although the likelihood of triggering is slowly decreasing, the consequences could be deadly. This is due to buried weak layers 2-4’ below the snow surface. It is a tricky setup and a continued cautious mind set [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Triggering a large and deadly slab avalanche 2-4′ thick remains possible along with triggering smaller avalanches such as wind slabs 1-2′ thick and cornice falls. Due to the size and destructive nature of triggering a large slab, we need to be on guard, be conservative and consider the [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche, 2-4′ thick that fails in buried weak snow, remains a primary concern and extra caution is advised for mountain travel. Wind slabs, storm slabs, sluffs and cornice falls, all associated with yesterday’s 10-18″ of new snow, will also be possible to [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations. With new snow, rising temperatures and strong winds overnight, triggering a storm slab is likely and natural avalanches are possible. In addition, triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-4′ thick on buried weak layers is possible and these avalanches may be triggered remotely. Conservative travel and decision-making [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-4′ thick on buried weak layers is possible and these avalanches may be triggered remotely. Wind from yesterday likely added to the formation of wind slabs on the leeward terrain throughout Alpine and Treeline elevations. A conservative mindset is called for [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 elevations and may rise to CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine this afternoon with increasing outflow winds. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-3′ thick on buried weak layers is possible and these avalanches may be triggered remotely. Watch for blowing snow and wind slabs forming in steep leeward [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-3′ thick remains likely and could be triggered remotely. Additionally, it’s still possible for a person to trigger a wind slab near ridges and gullies. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations today due to strong wind, a few inches of new snow and warming temperatures. Not only will fresh wind slab avalanches be likely for a person to trigger, but much larger and dangerous slab avalanches are lurking. These larger slabs are releasing in weak faceted snow 2-3′ [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-3′ thick remains likely and these avalanche could be triggered remotely. Natural avalanches are possible. Continued cautious route-finding and conservative decision making are essential today. Pay attention to changing conditions as the next storm moves into the area. Below 1000′: Watch for [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Triggering a large and dangerous slab avalanche 2-3′ thick remains likely and continued cautious route-finding and conservative decision making is essential. These slabs are sitting on weak faceted snow and could be triggered from below, the side or along the ridge. They can be triggered on wind loaded [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are likely on steep slopes with previous or active wind loading. If triggered, these wind slabs have the potential to overload buried weak layers and initiate a larger slab avalanche. Where wind slabs are not present, it’s possible for a person to trigger [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are likely on steep slopes with previous or active wind loading. If triggered, these wind slabs have the potential to overload buried weak layers and initiate a larger slab avalanche. Where wind slabs are not present, the persistent weak layers 2-3′ down [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′. The continued wind loading today and weak snow buried in the snowpack are making for tricky avalanche conditions. Human triggered wind slabs are likely in steep leeward terrain and naturals are possible. In addition, triggering a large dangerous avalanche that breaks deeper in the snowpack is also possible. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today above 1,000′. Naturally occurring wind slab avalanches are possible and human triggered wind slabs are likely on steep slopes with previous or active wind loading. If triggered, these wind slabs have the potential to overload buried weak layers and initiate a larger slab avalanche. In areas out of the [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is expected to rise to CONSIDERABLE today above 1,000′ due to strong northwesterly winds forecast to impact the region. Naturally occurring wind slab avalanches are possible and human triggered wind slabs are likely on steep slopes with active wind loading. Wind slabs also have the potential to overload buried weak layers and [Read More] | ||
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Persistent Slabs
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine and MODERATE below. A very cautious mindset is required for travel in exposed areas above the trees today as large and dangerous slab avalanches may still be likely to trigger on steep slopes. These slabs are 2-4+feet thick and sitting on weak faceted snow. Lingering wind slabs, [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations. Human triggered storm slab and loose snow avalanches remain likely today in steep terrain. Buried weak layers are now 2-3′ deep and avalanches have the potential to be large and dangerous. Careful route finding is essential. SEWARD: This region also received new snow with wind. Caution is advised. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Human triggered storm slab avalanches 2-3′ deep are likely and natural avalanches are possible. The avalanche danger may rise to HIGH late this afternoon as winds increase and snowfall continues. Caution is advised today, carefully select terrain and be aware of the consequences. Avalanches may be large and dangerous. The National [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Storm Slabs
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Today the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine and MODERATE below. Recent wind and 8-14″ of new snow have created the conditions to make it likely for a human to trigger a wind slab up to 2′ thick. Storm snow could be forming slab character and easier to trigger in steeper terrain. Cornices are [Read More] | ||
 Dry Loose
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Today the avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions with incoming weather. There is potential for small wind slabs in the Alpine if winds increase today. Triggering loose snow avalanches (sluffs) remains possible in steep terrain. PORTAGE VALLEY, SUMMIT LAKE, LOST LAKE: Areas east and south of Turnagain Pass saw an [Read More] | ||
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Dry Loose
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Today the avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Loose snow avalanches (sluffs) remain possible to trigger, especially in steeper terrain. On steep sustained slopes, dry snow avalanches could entrain a significant amount of surface snow and run to valley bottoms. Normal caution is advised for other concerns [Read More] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] | ||
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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] |
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.