An impending heavy snowstorm across the western Kenai Peninsula has prompted an avalanche warning from the National Weather Service which will be in effect from 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 9th, to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10th.
The NWS transmitted the warning at the request of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center.
The alert warns against backcountry activity, stating the avalanche risk is very high. According to the NWS warning, the current avalanche conditions are very dangerous.
Primary areas of concern are the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose Pass, and Seward.
According to the NWS, heavy snowfall and strong winds will create widespread areas of unstable snow. Both human triggered and natural large avalanches are likely. Debris from avalanches above may run into valley bottoms. Avalanche conditions will remain very dangerous immediately after the snow finishes.
The warning states;
“Travel in avalanche terrain is NOT recommended. Backcountry travelers should stay off of and out from underneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Avalanches may run long distances. Outside of the backcountry, roof avalanches are likely, pay attention to children, people and pets under roofs shedding snow.”
Similar avalanche danger may exist outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
Consult http://www.chugachavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information.
