Turnagain Pass Forecast Archives
| Date | Rating | Problem #1 | Problem #2 | The Bottom Line |
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 Wind Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger will be CONSIDERABLE at elevations above 2500’, where it is likely a human could trigger an avalanche 1-2’ deep on wind-loaded terrain. Yesterday’s easterly ridgetop winds shifted overnight and are now blowing out of the northwest, which means fresh wind slabs may be found on multiple aspects today. There has been less [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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A warm, wet and windy weather system is impacting the mountains today and increasing the avalanche danger above 1,000′ to CONSIDERABLE. Freshly formed wind slabs 1-2′ thick are likely to be found and triggered on slopes receiving more than 6″ of new snow with added wind loading. These may also release naturally. At the lower-elevations [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, 1-2′ thick, are possible on wind loaded slopes 35 degrees and steeper due an increase in east winds last night. Watch for slopes with recent wind deposited snow and those that may see active wind loading today. Human triggered cornice falls are [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1,000′ today. Triggering a wind slab remains possible on slopes 35° and steeper. These slabs could be 1-2′ deep and will be found near ridges on wind-loaded slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Watch for active wind-loading, signs of wind effect and choose terrain carefully. Cornice falls are also a concern [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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A CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists above 2,500′ where human triggered wind slabs are likely and cornice falls are a concern due to continued winds impacting the higher elevation terrain. A MODERATE danger exists below 2,500′ in exposed areas where winds are loading mid-elevation terrain. Watch for active wind loading and expect slabs to be in [Read More] | ||
 Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today at elevations above 1000’, and large human-triggered avalanche are likely. Recent heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Cautious route finding will be important today, which means sticking to low-angle slopes and resisting the urge to move into big terrain as skies clear up. The [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is HIGH today due to heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds. Large natural avalanches are likely, and human triggered avalanches are very likely. Travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended. With heavy snowfall in the upper elevations and rain to around 1200′(possibly higher), we expect to see a mix of dry slab and [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger will be CONSIDERABLE above 1000’ as strong winds and continued snowfall will make human-triggered avalanches likely during the day. Dangerous avalanche conditions will warrant conservative decision making today. Pay attention to indicators of instability, and be aware of the potential for increasing danger as the next storm approaches. We are expecting avalanche [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1,000′ due to another round of strong east wind with 6-10″ of new snow forecast today. Human triggered wind slab and storm slab avalanches are likely on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Wind slabs, along with cornice falls, could release on their own. Wind slabs are expected to be [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine (above 2,500′) where yesterday’s winds formed fresh winds slabs and added onto cornices. Winds slabs in the 1-3′ thick range could be easy to trigger on slopes over 35 degrees and in steep cross-loaded gullies. A MODERATE danger exists below 2,500′ for exposed areas that saw enough [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′. Recent storm snow, combined with snow falling and increased winds today will be enough to create fresh wind slabs, 1-3′ deep. Due to the active loading natural avalanches will be possible and human triggered wind slabs are likely. In addition, there is still a chance of triggering a large [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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 Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE for all elevations. After a week of snow resulting in 6-10′ at mid and upper elevations, a rain/snow mix below 1100′ and sustained ridgetop winds, the mountains need time to adjust to the load. Today large, human triggered storm slab avalanches are likely on slopes over 30° and natural avalanches are [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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We have extended the Backcountry Avalanche Warning issued through the National Weather Service through tomorrow morning. Recent heavy snowfall and continued accumulation today will keep the avalanche danger HIGH in the mountains surrounding Turnagain Pass, Girdwood Valley, Portage Valley, Summit Lake and the Seward/Lost Lake/Snug Harbor zone. It is very likely a human could trigger [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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We have extended the Backcountry Avalanche Warning through the National Weather Service today. With heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds the avalanche danger remains HIGH 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 [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 as heavy snowfall, strong winds, and rain on snow will elevate the avalanche danger to HIGH today. It is very likely a human could trigger an avalanche 3-5’ deep, and it is likely that we will see large natural avalanches as well. These [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on all slopes above 500′. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Large wind slab avalanches in the Alpine and storm slab avalanches in the trees, 3-4+’ thick, are likely for a person or snowmachine to trigger. These could be triggered remotely from the bottom, side or top. The 2.5-3.5 feet of new [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger has risen to HIGH in the Alpine (above 2,500′) and remains CONSIDERABLE below 2,500′. Heavy snowfall and strong winds for the past 48 hours continue to impact the region. Upwards of 3 feet of new snow has now fallen with very strong winds. Large natural avalanches, 3+’ thick, are likely at the [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ today. New snow and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered storm and wind slabs, 1-3′ deep are likely. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. Look for signs of instability and choose terrain wisely. Below 1000′ the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Human triggered [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger will be MODERATE above 1000′ today, where it is possible a person could trigger a wind slab avalanche up to a foot deep. Active weather today will bring a few inches of heavy snow with strong winds, building sensitive wind slabs on top of weak snow. Pay attention to indicators of unstable snow [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today above 1000′. Triggering a wind slab in steep wind-loaded terrain remains possible. Watch for blowing snow and signs of wind effect on the snow surface. Give cornices a wide berth. The avalanche danger is LOW below 1000’. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE above 2500’ as a storm moving in this afternoon will make it likely that a person could trigger a wind slab avalanche up to a foot deep. The avalanche danger is expected to remain at MODERATE for elevations below 2500’, where lighter winds and lower snowfall totals will [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE today and there is a small chance of triggering an avalanche on a weak layer buried 3-5’ deep in the snowpack at elevations up to 2500’. It will also be important to be on the lookout for lingering wind slabs in steep terrain at upper elevations, and pay attention to [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE on slopes over 35° above 1,000′. Today is another day to watch for lingering wind slabs in steep terrain, cornice falls along ridgelines and keep an eye on your sluff. Additionally, at elevations between 1,000′ and 2,500′ there is a small chance of triggering a large avalanche (3-5′ deep) on weak [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE on slopes over 35° above 1,000′. Triggering a wind slab avalanche 1-2′ thick remains possible on wind loaded steep slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Additionally, at elevations between 1,000′ and 2,500′ there is a small chance of triggering a large avalanche (3-5′ deep) on weak snow developing near a crust. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1,000′ today. Triggering a wind slab remains possible on slopes steeper than 35°. These slabs could be 1-2′ deep and will be found on wind-loaded slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Additionally, between 1300′-2500′, there is a small chance of triggering a deeper avalanche (3-5′ deep) on weak snow near [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE at elevations above 1,000′. Triggering either a fresh wind slab from overnight or a lingering wind slab from earlier this week is possible. These slabs are around 1-2′ thick and found on wind loaded steeper slopes and in steep cross-loaded gullies. Additionally, between 1300-2500’, there is a small chance of [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′, where it will be possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche 1-2’ deep. Between 1300-2500’, there is also a small chance of triggering a deeper avalanche on a weak layer buried 3-5’ deep, near a crust that formed in the beginning of the month. We will need to [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE above 1000′ today. New snow and strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered storm and wind slabs, 1-3′ deep are likely. Between 1300′-2500′ there is also chance of triggering a deep slab avalanche breaking 3-5′ deep on a buried weak layer associated with [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger will rise to CONSIDERABLE above 2500’, where it will become likely a person could trigger a wind slab avalanche 1-2’ deep as winds pick up throughout the day. Watch for active wind loading near ridgetops, in gullies, and below convex rollovers. Pay attention to changing conditions and increasing avalanche danger as the [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at elevations above 1,000′ where triggering a lingering wind slab avalanche is possible. These slabs could be fairly stubborn, composed of hard snow and in the 6-24″ range. They are likely to be found on steeper slopes, rollovers and in cross-loaded gullies. The danger is LOW below 1,000′. SUMMIT LAKE: [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine (above 2,500′) for wind slab avalanches. An increase in winds overnight should have been enough to create fresh wind slabs 1-2′ thick. These are expected to be easy to trigger on slopes over 35 degrees with new wind deposited snow. The danger is MODERATE for wind slabs [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Human triggered wind slabs 1-5′ deep are possible on slopes steeper than 30°. The snowpack still needs time to adjust to the rapid loading that occurred during the storm on Tuesday. In addition watch for changing conditions as winds bump up again today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE for all elevations. Yesterday hurricane force winds, combined with feet of new snow at mid and upper elevations and inches of rain at sea level, overloaded the snowpack. Today large, dangerous, human triggered storm slab avalanches are likely on slopes over 30°. We are in the window of the first [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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The avalanche danger is HIGH today due to heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds. Large natural avalanches are likely, human triggered avalanches are very likely, and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. With heavy snowfall in the upper elevations and rain to 1700′ we expect to see a mix of dry and wet avalanches, [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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The avalanche danger is expected to rise to MODERATE today in the Alpine (above 2,500′) with light snow fall and increasing winds this afternoon. Human triggered wind slab avalanches, up to a foot thick, will be possible along ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. A LOW danger exists below 2,500′ and in areas without wind effect. [Read More] | ||
 Normal Caution
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The avalanche danger is LOW across all elevations in the Turnagain Pass area today. Low danger does not mean no danger– it is unlikely a person will trigger an avalanche, but not impossible. Be on the lookout for lingering wind slabs in isolated locations, sluffs on steep slopes, and give cornices plenty of space. Be [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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A MODERATE avalanche danger is expected today in the Alpine (above 2,500′) as 4-6″ of snow with a bump in wind is forecast. Fresh wind slab avalanches, up to a foot thick, should be forming along ridgelines and in cross-loaded gullies. Watch for changing conditions as these wind slabs, although on the smaller side, should [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger remains MODERATE in the Alpine, above 2,500′. Watch for shallow new wind slabs that may have formed in yesterday’s slight bump in ridgetop winds. Additionally, on steep slopes with an overall thin snow cover, or a thin spot in the snowpack, there is still a chance a person could trigger a large [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE on slopes over 35 degrees above 2,500′. In steep rocky terrain, there is still a chance a person could hit a thin spot in the snowpack and trigger a large avalanche, 4-6′ deep or deeper, failing in weak snow at the ground. The avalanche danger is LOW at elevations below 2500’. PLACER [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is MODERATE at elevations above 2500’. Although unlikely, there is still a chance a person could trigger a large avalanche 6’ deep or deeper failing in weak snow at the ground. Be careful with your terrain choices, and avoid thin, rocky areas where it will be most likely to trigger an avalanche. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is MODERATE above 2500’, where it will be possible to trigger a wind slab avalanche 1-2’ deep on recently wind loaded slopes. Be careful with your snowpack assessment before approaching bigger terrain today, and avoid steep slopes with fresh slabs of wind-loaded snow. The avalanche danger is LOW at elevations below 2500’. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Human triggered wind slab avalanches, 1-2’ deep are possible on steep, leeward slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Be on the lookout for active wind transport, shooting cracks and stiff hollow sounding snow. As always, give cornices a wide berth. The avalanche danger remains LOW below 1000′. SUMMIT [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′, and it is possible a human could trigger a wind slab avalanche 1-2’ deep. Winds have been building slabs for the past two days that are getting big enough to bury a person. Be on the lookout for clear signs of unstable snow like shooting cracks or collapsing, [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1,000′. Strong easterly ridgetop winds today are expected to build fresh wind slabs, up to a foot thick, on leeward slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Watch for fresh wind deposited snow. Additionally, on the southern end of Turnagain Pass, there is a remote chance that a large avalanche could [Read More] | ||
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE at and above Treeline. There remains a chance for triggering a large avalanche 1-3′ thick. The likelihood is decreasing, but our guard should remain up, especially in areas that have seen little traffic. Otherwise, watch for lingering wind slabs in steep rocky terrain, loose snow sluffs and give cornices a [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is MODERATE above 1000′. Human triggered wind slabs 1-3′ thick and cornice falls are possible on steep, leeward slopes just off of ridge-lines and in cross-loaded gullies. In addition, there is uncertainty about a new persistent slab issue. Look for signs of instability, obvious wind effect and choose terrain carefully. Below 1000′ [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is trending to MODERATE after 2-3′ of snow fell onto a weak surface during the Sunday/Monday storm. Storm slab and wind slab avalanches up to 2′ thick in Turnagain and 3′ thick in Girdwood will be possible to trigger. These could be quite large, be triggered remotely and could propagate across terrain [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations. Steady snowfall for the past two days with rain up to 1200′, along with sustained periods of strong winds, have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggered avalanches are likely today, and natural avalanches are possible with fresh storm and wind slabs sitting on weak snow. Be conservative [Read More] | ||
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Storm Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at all elevations today as snow, rain and steady ridgetop winds continue. Natural avalanches and cornice falls are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. Additionally, above 2500′, there is a chance a natural avalanche or a person could trigger a deep slab avalanche in weak snow near the ground. [Read More] | ||
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Wind Slabs
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Deep Persistent Slabs
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Today’s avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in the Alpine, and MODERATE at and below Treeline. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches will become likely as a storm moves into the area throughout the day. Pay close attention to changing conditions as winds and new snowfall build sensitive slabs, especially later in the day. Be on the lookout for [Read More] |
Below are archived forecasts for the past seven 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.