Caines Head State Recreation Area

Special Weather Statement issued January 18 at 6:05AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

The Chugach NF Avalanche Information Center in Girdwood has issued a SPECIAL AVALANCHE STATEMENT for the following areas: South Fork Eagle River, Chugach State Park, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose Pass, Summit Lake, and Seward from 6 am Saturday, Jan 17 to 6 am Tuesday, Jan 20. * WHAT...Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Avalanche danger is HIGH at and above treeline. * WHERE...For the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Summit Lake, Moose Pass, Lost Lake, and Seward. * WHEN...In effect through 6:00 am Tuesday, Jan 20th. * IMPACTS...Very large human-triggered avalanches are likely. Despite quiet weather, the snowpack remains very unstable. People can easily trigger very large avalanches. It is likely avalanches may be triggered remotely from flat terrain below steeper slopes. * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If deciding to recreate in the backcountry, choose terrain that is flat or less than 30 degrees in steepness, with nothing steeper above you. Travel is avalanche terrain is not recommended. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center. For more information visit www.ChugachAvalanche.org.