Western Chugach, Chugach State Park, South Fork Eagle River, Harp area

Very dangerous avalanche conditions were found in the South Fork Eagle River area today, and similarly dangerous conditions are expected to exist elsewhere throughout Chugach State Park.

The February 7-9 storm event initiated a widespread natural avalanche cycle in the South Fork valley.  Several D2 natural avalanches were observed that likely occurred sometime between Friday morning and Sunday night.  Most of these avalanches occurred in, or adjacent to, cross-loaded gullies.

Very large and powerful collapses (aka “whumphs”) were human triggered in the Harp Mountain area today.  One of these collapses at ~3050′ on a SW aspect propagated uphill at least 300′ resulting in a D2 persistent slab remotely triggered at ~3350′ at the point where slope angle increased to 35*+.

Western Chugach, Chugach State Park, Glen Alps, Flattop

Public observation:

Observed this apparent slide on the north side of Flattop. Not sure when it occurred. A lot of wind on top of Blueberry Hill and about 13F at the Glen Alps parking area.

AAC comments:

Flattop, NW aspect, ~3500′.  Further evidence of widespread persistent slab danger throughout Chugach State Park.