Observation: Summit

Location: Road Observations from Summit Lake to Seward along the Seward Hwy

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Over the past week 1 human triggered and 15+ natural avalanches most during or just after Saturday in the Summit Lake area. Areas of concern Fresno,Butch Peak, Raven Ridge, Colorado Peak, Tenderfoot, Tri-Tip, Templeton, and John Mountain. Many were large and happened just below ridge line to as low as 2500′ starting zones. A lot has not avalanced. These areas could easily be triggered by people getting out with the sunny weather.

***Obvious signs of ‘whumphing’ and cracking of snow have been reported in all areas in the Southern Kenai Mountains.

Small recent avalanches on South side of Lost Lake Area and one recent one at MP19 slide path from new snow.  3rd gully of Sheep Mountain.

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?Yes
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?Yes
Observer Comments

Outside Summit Lake there was a report of very large glide cracks forming on Marathon and Benson covering entire slope. 5 cracks reported in succession all the way down the slope to alder line. Careful if you are thinking big snow equals fun. Unstable conditions exist down this way!!!

Recent snowfall totals (1/30-2/1)
Seward 10-12” very wet snot
Lost Lake 14” new snow (Wet Snow)
Moose Pass 4” from overnight on 1/31

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Clear and sunny today, 2/1

Photos & Video
Please upload photos below. Maximum of 5 megabytes per image. Click here for help on resizing images. If you are having trouble uploading please email images separately to staff.