The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued a special avalanche statement for areas in and around Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Lost Lake, and Seward. The warning is in effect from 7:00 AM on Friday, Mar. 7, through 8:00 AM on Sunday, Mar. 8, due to dangerous avalanche conditions caused by recent snowfall on an unstable snowpack.
The avalanche danger is currently “considerable,” which means that large human-triggered avalanches are likely to occur in the backcountry. The avalanche center notes that, despite the lack of new snowfall, the snowpack remains highly unstable, and people can easily trigger avalanches. In some cases, avalanches can even be triggered remotely from flat terrain below steeper slopes.
This warning specifically affects the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains, including the popular recreation areas of Girdwood, Portage Valley, Turnagain Pass, Lost Lake, and Seward. Experts are urging those planning to venture into the backcountry to exercise extreme caution, as the risk of avalanche is significant.
For those who do choose to recreate in these areas, the Avalanche Information Center recommends selecting slopes with a low angle (less than 30 degrees), avoiding areas with steeper terrain above, and using careful route-finding and decision-making to identify and avoid avalanche-prone areas.
The center also warns that similar avalanche danger may exist in areas outside its coverage zones.
Outdoor enthusiasts are urged to stay updated and visit cnfaic.org for further details and safety information.
