Early Season Avalanche Danger Update

After ten days of cold and clear weather that followed a significant early season (late October) snowstorm, active weather and precipitation are forecast to return to the greater Anchorage area tonight with the potential for several inches of new snow in the Western Chugach alpine Thursday night into Friday.

New snow will fall on weak and heavily faceted existing snow from late October. This existing snow is expected to become the weak basal layer of advanced facets and depth hoar that typically characterizes the relatively interior/continental snowpack of the Western Chugach.

With active weather and more precipitation forecast for the next week, dangerous avalanche conditions may develop in some alpine areas that are accessible from popular Chugach State Park trailheads.

We will begin issuing regular forecasts (weekend avalanche outlooks) as soon as there is sufficient snow coverage for reasonable backcountry travel by ski. In the meantime, stay tuned for intermittent updates as warranted by conditions.

Get ready for a great season of skiing and riding!

Early season advice:

• Start thinking about avalanches! Your brain is your most important survival tool. Get it ready for the season. Refresh your “avy savvy” with online resources, and/or by continuing your education with a local avalanche course provider.
• In general, the early season is the most dangerous part of the season. Thin snowpack hazards (i.e. “snags”) are widespread and can cause injury and/or gear damage. Also, the snowpack is generally weaker, more unstable, and avalanche prone. Getting caught in an early season avalanche can be especially traumatic due to thin snowpack coverage, a weak and relatively unpredictable snowpack structure, and protruding snags (rocks and wood).
• Make sure your avalanche and winter gear (BRAIN, beacon, shovel, probe, repair kit, emergency supplies, etc.) is fully functional and you know how to use it competently.
• Be patient! Don’t start the snow season the wrong way with an injury or wrecked gear. It only gets better as the season progresses.