Turnagain Pass

The aftermath of the avalanche cycle November 27th/28th is evident in the terrain on Turnagain pass. There were a number of large slides in the Alpine but much of the steep terrain did not avalanche during this last cycle. It has been almost a week since our significant loading event and there have been no recent signs of instability reported. Recent snow has provided great riding conditions and folks have been enjoying the mostly stable return to winter in the advisory area.

We continue to be suspect of steep, primarily northerly terrain that still may harbor facets that formed during the early November cold snap. Digging and probing yesterday highlighted that variability of snowpack depth and structure. Areas that are shallow and that have stiff snow over weak facets (sugar snow) are the main concern. This poor structure still has the potential to present as a Persistent Slab avalanche. This could be especially hazardous in steep, high consequence terrain where even a small slide could take you for a dangerous ride. Probing and trying to investigate the depth and layering in the terrain you are choosing to ride are recommended before committing to big lines. 

We have limited information on the snowpack characteristics in the Girdwood valley and the Summit area. Both zones also have variability and warrant caution when venturing into avalanche terrain.

Remember to always practice safe travel rituals on steep slopes, namely, only expose one person at a time, watch your partners carefully, and regroup in safe zones.

Photo: D3 avalanche in Superbowl/Corner Pocket reported on November 29th. We believe this slide occurred during the November 27th/28th cycle. The remnants of the crown are highlighted in red.