December 13, 2015

Avalanche danger in Chugach State Park has increased, and is expected to remain elevated until at least midweek.

Several inches of new snow from early Saturday combined with strong winds Sunday has resulted in dangerous wind slab development above 2500′ on leeward and cross-loaded terrain.  Isolated areas of larger persistent slab may exist, and could be reactive to triggers where stressed by wind loading.

Periods of snow and strong wind are forecast through Tuesday, which will keep the danger elevated.

IMG_1654Pocket of wind slab that failed in a thin area of snowpack on basal facets (Peak 3, NNW aspect, ~3500′)

p3shootingcrack12.13.15

Impressive shooting crack: a screaming red flag of avalanche danger (Peak 3, NW aspect, ~3700′)