The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center in Girdwood has issued a Special Avalanche Bulletin for the following areas: Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose Pass, and Seward. The avalanche danger is listed as HIGH for the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around Girdwood, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Lost Lake and Seward. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist.
The Special Avalanche Bulletin is in effect from 6:00 p.m. today through 6:00 p.m. Friday.
Recent heavy snowfall and rain combined with strong winds have created widespread areas of unstable snow. Both human triggered and natural large avalanches are likely on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Debris from avalanches may run into valley bottoms.
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 that are shedding snow.
Similar avalanche danger may exist at outside the coverage area of this or any other avalanche center. Consult
http://www.chugachavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information.
