Avalanche Danger Update

Issued Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 7:30pm:

Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to develop in the greater Anchorage area Western Chugach mountains (including Chugach State Park) Wednesday due to extreme winds, increasing temperatures, and snow (that will mix with rain at lower elevations):

Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to persist into Thanksgiving day (Thursday):

If you get out to recreate in the mountains the next couple of days, be very mindful of avalanche terrain! Keep in mind that many popular trails in Chugach State Park cross potentially dangerous avalanche paths (e.g. Powerline trail from Glen Alps) and others are exposed to very high consequence terrain traps (e.g. Falls Creek from Turnagain Arm). Beware of what’s above you, even if you’re on flat or low-angle terrain that doesn’t seem avalanche-prone!

Review prior advisories from November 22 and November 20 for more insight into the current state of the snowpack.

On another note, be advised that while Peak 3 is likely Alaska’s most popular backcountry skiing spot and may not seem that dangerous given the crowds that often frequent it, avalanche fatalities have occurred on Peak 3 (including two partners of one of the Western Chugach’s most prolific mountaineers) as well as MANY other accidents and close calls. Also, bear in mind that the Peak 3 snowpack is in no way representative of the Chugach State Park snowpack in general (due to skier compaction and the nature of the terrain).

While digging snowpits can provide you with useful information, due to the extreme spatial variability of the Chugach State Park snowpack, terrain management is the key to safely navigating avalanche terrain in this region. If you do dig a pit, don’t dig one in such a place (and not fill it in) where it could be more of a hazard to one of your fellow snow-riders than the snowpack itself!

Finally, please be mindful of the unique access situation to backcountry skiing in the greater Anchorage area.  Contrasted to Hatcher Pass and Turnagain Pass, much access to Chugach State Park is via neighborhood-residential trailheads. Be considerate with regard to noise and PARKING!

Today, there was a lot of vehicular carnage up Rabbit Creek. Upon arrival late this morning one car was stuck between the Peak 2 (middle) and Peak 3 (upper) parking areas, blocking most of the road, with another car parked at the upper lot. By the time I parked and geared up for the day the car that was parked at the upper lot had tried to bypass the stuck vehicle, and that car became stuck too. A tow truck was required to excavate these vehicles.

At the end of the day, another vehicle became stuck between the upper and middle parking areas. Again, trapping vehicles at the upper lot. Fortunately, a tow truck was not required and I was able to pull this vehicle out with my truck and a tow strap.

PLEASE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER PARK USERS AND AREA RESIDENTS WITH YOUR DECISION-MAKING AND PARKING.