Anchorage, AK – Heavy snow and powerful winds will drive a significant avalanche threat across the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains this afternoon, creating extremely dangerous backcountry conditions from Girdwood to Turnagain Pass through early Friday.
According to the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, a backcountry Avalanche Warning goes into effect at noon today for Girdwood, Portage Valley, Whittier, and Turnagain Pass. Forecasters report widespread unstable snow developing as new snowfall piles onto a weak base. Both natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Debris may run long distances into valley bottoms, including paths near the Seward Highway and popular access points around Girdwood and Portage.
According to the National Weather Service Anchorage office, strong ridge-top winds will combine with intense snowfall to rapidly load steep terrain through tonight. Travel anywhere on or beneath slopes steeper than 30 degrees is strongly discouraged. Even after snowfall decreases early Friday, dangerous conditions will persist as slabs continue to settle and release. Officials emphasize that similar conditions may exist beyond monitored zones, especially in remote terrain south toward Moose Pass.
According to local emergency managers, those heading into Southcentral Alaska’s backcountry should cancel or reroute trips, carry full winter survival gear, and avoid terrain traps such as gullies, creek beds, and runout zones. Snowmachiners and skiers are urged to stay in low-angle areas and maintain wide spacing. Gusty winds may also create blowing snow and poor visibility along the Seward Highway between Girdwood and Summit Lake.
