Extremely strong winds over Chugach State Park this week have maintained an elevated avalanche danger.  Strong winds combined with persistent weak layers buried within the snowpack have created a situation that will demand caution and thorough avalanche assessment if venturing into the mountains of Chugach State Park over the New Year holiday weekend.

Remember, two human triggered avalanches occurred last weekend: one in the southern advisory area on buried surface hoar and one in the northern advisory area (on either the buried surface hoar, facets on crust, or depth hoar).  This reinforces concern for potentially dangerous snow and avalanche conditions across the park.

As winds calm later this week we will get into the mountains and provide a more thorough update.