Alaska — Heavy snow and wind are rapidly loading mountain slopes this morning, setting up extremely dangerous avalanche conditions across Southcentral Alaska.
Backcountry areas near Anchorage, including Girdwood, Turnagain Pass, Portage, and Seward, enter a high-risk period starting 6 a.m. today, with conditions expected to worsen through the weekend.
According to the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center, avalanche danger is rated HIGH, with both natural and human-triggered avalanches likely as fresh snow piles onto a weak snowpack.
This is not just a backcountry issue. Large avalanches may run long distances, potentially reaching valley floors, low-elevation trails, and areas that may appear snow-free. Zones near Summit Lake, Moose Pass, and Lost Lake face similar threats.
The most dangerous window stretches from late morning today through Saturday evening, when snowfall intensity and wind loading peak. Strong winds can rapidly shift snow, creating unstable slabs on multiple slope aspects.
This is part of a broader storm system impacting southern Alaska, combining heavy precipitation and wind to destabilize mountain terrain.
Travel impacts are possible along the Seward Highway, especially near avalanche-prone corridors between Anchorage and Seward. Blowing snow may reduce visibility, and avalanche mitigation work could cause delays.
Avoid all steep slopes over 30 degrees. Stay clear of runout zones, including valley bottoms and areas beneath large mountain faces. Do not assume lower elevations are safe.
If you must travel, monitor road conditions closely and expect sudden closures or delays.
Avalanche danger remains elevated even after snowfall tapers, as unstable layers persist beneath the surface.
The most critical period continues through Sunday morning, when conditions remain dangerous—avoid backcountry travel and stay out of avalanche terrain.
