The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued a special avalanche warning for areas of the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains, including Girdwood, Portage Valley, Whittier, and Turnagain Pass. The warning is in effect from Friday, Apr. 4 at 5:00 p.m. through Saturday, Apr. 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Avalanche danger in the backcountry is classified as HIGH, with “very dangerous avalanche conditions” expected due to heavy rain and snowfall adding stress to an already unstable snowpack. Both “human-triggered and natural large avalanches are likely,” and debris could travel into valley bottoms and snow-free areas — including hiking trails.
Officials are urging the public to “avoid traveling in or below avalanche terrain,” as even areas that appear safe may be at risk due to long avalanche runouts. The danger is expected to remain elevated even after the storm has passed.
The warning applies specifically to the backcountry in and around the affected areas, but the Chugach Avalanche Center notes that similar conditions may exist outside the coverage zone.
For updates and more detailed avalanche information, visit the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website.
