Turnagain Pass

A powerful storm yesterday dumped 1-3’ of new snow in the upper elevations, rain below 1000’, and blasted our region with very strong wind. Easterly ridgetop winds averaged in the 40s with gusts reaching 80-90 mph. A variety of storm related avalanche problem exist today and will require careful snowpack evaluation and cautious route finding and a flexible plan if the sun comes out. Snow totals could range from 1-2’ thick in Girdwood and Turnagain Pass, and 3’ in the upper elevations of Portage Valley. Rain/snow line fluctuated between 2000’ and 1000’ yesterday which means you will encounter wet heavy snow transitioning to drier snow with elevation. Keep the following in mind today:

WIND SLABS: In the alpine where strong winds have drifted new snow, slabs could be up to 2’ thick in heart of Turnagain Pass. Look for wind loaded features and avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Larger and more connected slopes will have higher consequences if you trigger a slab. Look for obvious clues like shooting cracks and recent avalanches. Any additional blowing snow or radiation from the sun will make these slabs more touchy today.

STORM SLABS: Areas less affected by strong winds that are harboring dry snow – triggering a storm slab is possible. As you travel pay attention to where wet snow transitions to drier snow and how thick the slab becomes with elevation. Avoid steep features and terrain traps that could get a skier or rider in trouble.

CORNICES: Expect cornices to be large and unstable. Give these features lots of space – they often break further onto a ridge than expected. Natural cornice fall could trigger a slab below. 

Rain/snow line dropped to 1000′ yesterday afternoon at Turnagain Pass with 1cm of wet slushy snow accumulation. The upper elevations likely have 1-2′ of new snow.

Below 2000’ where wet snow and rain fell yesterday, triggering a wet avalanche will be possible on steep terrain features. The more saturated the snow, the more potential for a small point release to entrain snow and build momentum. Daily warming and any sign of sun or thin cloud cover could increase the potential for wet loose avalanches. If you find your skis or machine sinking into wet saturated snow avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Pay close attention to how the snow changes throughout the day and with elevation, and be prepared to avoid all South facing slopes later in the day if you feel heat from the sun. This includes all South facing slopes and all elevations.

**Tomorrow looks like our first sunny day following the storm with very little wind. Be aware that warming from the sun will elevate the avalanche danger and potential for triggering both wet loose and storm slabs in the alpine.

Rain and wet snow was falling along Turnagain Pass road level yesterday. Expect the snow surfaces at this elevation to be wet and punchy today. Note how quickly the snow is disappearing! There is little to no snow below 1000′.

Rain and new snow has added weight to the snowpack and a glide avalanche today would not be suprising. This is the entire snowpack gliding downhill and spontaneously releasing. Our last known glide avalanche was on Sunday near the Hope Wye. Cracks are present in a lot of popular terrain and require a keen eye – to locate and avoid travel below them. They can release at anytime, are completely unpredictable and can be very destructive.