March 6, 2018

Avalanche danger is increasing in Chugach State Park due to new snow and wind loading. Stability has been particularly suspect in the South Fork Eagle River area, and presumably other areas in the park north of Anchorage.

There was a remote skier triggered avalanche above the South Fork trailhead Sunday, and the most whumphing/collapsing observed in the past several years Monday.

The generally thin snowpack (especially between 2000-3000’) consisting of depth hoar and varied faceted layers, was overlain with a slab from last week’s significant snow and wind.

The South Fork snowpack was exhibiting an extreme amount of energy and propagation (i.e. avalanche producing) potential Monday.

Considerable danger for wind and persistent slab avalanches is expected Wednesday.