Valdez

Forecast Expired - 02/06/2022

Above 4,000ftConsiderable

2,000 to 4,000ftModerate

Below 2,000ftModerate

Degrees of Avalanche Danger

Avalanche Problems

Problem 1

Storm Snow:

Our area has received around 5-10 inches of snow in the last 48 hours with moderate winds. The next storm is expected to roll in sometime today which may deliver an additional foot of snow at upper elevations in the next 24 hours.   Shallow storm slabs are beginning to form at all elevations.  Moderate northeast wind has been occurring alongside the latest snowfall, building wind slabs on the lee side of high elevation ridge lines, cross loaded gullies and the lee side of terrain features. The most likely place to encounter instability today will be on the lee side of high elevation ridge lines and in convex terrain. Human triggered avalanches will be likely today 1-2 feet deep at upper elevations in specific locations and possible below.    Use caution today in areas where wind has redistributed new snow onto lee aspects or in terrain steeper than 30° where more than 10 inches of new snow has accumulated.  Test slopes are a great way to see how well the new snow has bonded with the old snow.  The avalanche hazard will be increasing later in the day as snowfall intensifies.

 

 

There is the small chance that avalanches within the new snow may be able to step down to deeper layers in the snowpack creating very large avalanches (see problem 2).

 

 

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Problem 2

Persistent Slab:

We recently received a report of the first human triggered persistent slab avalanche since 12/8.  This was a remote trigger and occurred on 1/29.  I strongly recommend reading the details in the avalanche activity section.  This is a clear indicator that there remains the possibility to affect weak snow that exists in our lower snowpack.  This is a classic low probability high consequence scenario.  The likelihood of human triggered or natural avalanches at this layer will be increasing later in the week as significant snowfall returns to our area.

 

Weak snow exists in our mid-lower snowpack.  The depth of this layer makes it difficult for a person or machine to affect in most locations.  Unfortunately the depth of our snowpack is highly variable and a thin snowpack exists in many locations.  The depth of weak faceted snow from the early winter will directly correlate with the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab.  The closer the layer is to the surface the more likely it becomes to trigger one of these large avalanches.  Staying clear of steep rocky areas or places with thin snow pack will greatly lower the risk of triggering a persistent slab.  This weak layer will most likely not give the typical signs of instability such as shooting cracks and collapsing until it is too late.  This type of problem is unpredictable and can fail after many tracks already exist on a slope.

 

Using safe travel protocols when a persistent slab avalanche problem is present, is important.  These include only exposing one member of your party to avalanche prone slopes at a time, maintaining good communication, knowing your escape routes/ safe spots and avoiding traveling in or above terrain traps.

 

Wind slabs may be able to step down to these weak layers in isolated locations creating very large destructive avalanches.  The most likely place to encounter this avalanche problem is the Intermountain or Continental zone, in thin rocky areas where weak faceted layers are closer to the surface and more easily affected.  

 

 

 

 

 

Likelihood:

  • Almost Certain
  • Very Likely
  • Likely
  • Possible
  • Unlikely

Size:

  • Historic
  • Very Large
  • Large
  • Small

Trend

  • Increasing
  • Steady
  • Decreasing

Avalanche Activity

1/30-Several natural persistent slab avalanches were observed in the intermountain and continental zone.  

  • Remote snowmachine triggered avalanche on Little Girls/ SE aspect/~3500′.   Member of group reported that 2 members of a larger party were waiting on the lower angle ridges (bro bowl up route) below the slide pictured waiting for the rest of a larger group.  Rider 2 went to play on a small hill nearby when rider 1 felt a large collapse and the slides pictured came down.  The rest of the group gathered up and about 5 minutes after the remote trigger felt an earthshaking collapse that had alders swaying and group reported the feeling of dropping/settling a vertical foot.  A noise that was described as a bomb quickly followed.  The group left the area immediately and did not observe any further avalanche activity caused by the collapse.  Other collapses were noted later in the day.
  • Natural avalanche on the Little Matterhorn buttress/ North/ ~3500′.  This avalanches’ width implies that it was more than a wind slab avalanche and failed on a persistent weak layer.  The interesting thing was how wide this avalanche was, and that the depth was much shallower than other persistent slabs that have been noted.  The takeaway point is that our area has a lot of spatial variability, meaning that dangerous facets snow may be buried deep in some areas making it very difficult to affect.  And in other areas weak faceted snow from November exists close to the surface in some locations, making it easier to affect.  Use caution in steep areas with thin snowpack.
  • Natural D3 persistent slab avalanche Area 51/ North, east, and west aspects/ ~3500
  • Natural D3 persistent slab avalanche Pt 6153 just north of Averys/ ~5500′

Natural D3 Persistent slab avalanche/ Shovel/ northeast aspect/~5000′.

South aspect hogback ridge/~3000′

Snoopys/East aspect/~4000′

1/29- Observed numerous D2 avalanches on Billy Mitchell (cry babies area) and one D3 on Happiness.  These were all northerly aspects.  On Billy, slides originated between 3-4000 feet and on Happiness ~5000′.

1/28- During brief break in the clouds, observed a Natural D3 avalanche on Catchers Mitt.  It is likely this slide failed on a persistent weak layer, as the crown was deep (3-4) feet and ran a considerable distance.

1/22-1/24- A D3 natural avalanche was observed on 1/22 in snow slide gulch that ran to just below the summer trail.  

On 1/26 2-D3 naturals were seen on the east face of Mt Tiekel (beyond forecast zone) that ran half way through their aprons.  These likely occured between the 1/22-1/24 time period.

Clouds prevented observation of where these slides originated

1/22-  Clouds made observing avalanche activity difficult, although numerous large wet loose slides were observed on south aspects of Town Mountain in the Port of Valdez.

1/13- Multiple large natural avalanches were noted following the snowfall on 1/13.  Most were near high elevation ridge lines, although mid elevation storm slabs were noted on north aspect of Catchers Mitt and south aspect of Mile high.  Other avalanche not shown in photos include Goodwills north aspect and Oddeyssey north aspect.

 

1/1-1/4-  The new years day wind event created an avalanche cycle that was difficult to document due to crowns being rapidly reloaded by 80 mph winds.  Below are photos of a couple very large slides that were still visible in the Hippie ridge area.  Naturals were also noted on Three Pigs, 40.5 Mile, Crudbusters, Python Buttress.

 

12/29-  Multiple natural wet loose D1-D2’s were observed in the Port of Valdez with no step downs noted.

12/23- Berlin Wall north face ~5000′ HS-N-R3-D2-O.  It is possible this occurred on 12/21, although it was not observed until 12/24.

12/21- Numerous natural avalanches observed all along the north side of Thompson Pass, as a result of strong NE wind event along with a couple inches of new snow and rising temperatures.  Observed naturals on all aspects except windward slopes with crowns originating from 1000 feet to 5500 feet in elevation.  Most of these were hard slab avalanches.  Crown depths were difficult to discern due to reloading, although some crowns looked to be up to 2 meters in depth.

12/19- D 2.5 natural avalanches were observed on the north facing buttress west of Gully 1 and Schoolbus.  

12/14-  Several natural avalanches were observed although poor visibility prevented a full view of the action.  The most notable natural was observed in Nicks Happy Valley on a NW aspect ~4000′.  Crown depth was not visible.  Debris ran down the valley and piled up at the typical snowmachine pickup.

12/8- Large remote trigger/ sympathetic avalanche event occurred 12/8 with avalanches extending from Gully 1 to Nicks.  Avalanches were soft slabs that ranged in size from D1-D3.  Over 10 separate avalanches were counted with crown depths averaging 2-3′.  One avalanche had a crown length of half a mile while another was triggered over a mile away from the point of collapse.  See observation section for full report and more photos.

12/7- Only a few natural avalanches were noted during the last storm.  It is likely there were more during the storm, but crowns may have been filled in by subsequent wind and snow.

D2’s on Town mountain was observed ~3000′

A couple of D2’s were noted in N. Oddessey gully and Big Oddessey.

D2 on 40.5 mile peak ~5500′.

12/2-12/3- Several natural D2 avalanches were noted on south aspects of Three pigs, Hippie Ridge and Averys.  These windslab avalanches originated between 4000-5500 feet elevation.

Weather

NWS Watches and Warnings

 
Point forecast for Thompson Pass
Today
Snow showers, mainly before noon, then a chance of snow after noon. High near 25. South wind 5 to 15 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Tonight
Snow, mainly after midnight. Areas of blowing snow. Low around 17. North wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of around an inch possible.
Sunday
Snow. Areas of blowing snow before noon. High near 25. Northeast wind 15 to 20 mph becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
Sunday Night
Snow. Low around 19. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday
Snow. High near 25. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Monday Night
Snow, mainly before 3am. Low around 18. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday
Snow, mainly after 9am. High near 30. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night
Snow. Cloudy, with a low around 23.

 Detailed forecast for Thompson Pass (mid elevation 2000-4000′)

DATE             SATURDAY 02/05          SUNDAY 02/06            
TIME (LT)        06    12    18    00    06    12    18    00    06
CLOUD COVER      OV    OV    OV    OV    OV    OV    OV    OV    OV
CLOUD COVER (%)  80    80    90   100   100   100   100    95    85
TEMPERATURE      24    25    22    20    20    26    25    22    20
MAX/MIN TEMP                 26          19          27          19
WIND DIR          S    SE    NE    NE    NE     E     S     S     S
WIND (MPH)       18    14    10    18    11     6     5    12    17
WIND GUST (MPH)        37    28                                    
PRECIP PROB (%)  80    50    60    80    90    90    80    80    70
PRECIP TYPE       S     S     S     S     S     S     S     S     S
12 HOUR QPF                0.08        0.11        0.28        0.25
12 HOUR SNOW                0.7         1.4         3.9         3.4
SNOW LEVEL (KFT)0.8   0.7   0.5   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.0
Snow and Temperature Measurements

 

Date: 02/05 24 hr snow  HN24W* High Temp Low Temp Weekly SWE (Monday- Sunday) February Snowfall Season Snowfall HS (Snowpack depth)
Valdez 4.5 .38 25 17 .88 10 168 51
Thompson Pass ~5  N/O 24 3 N/O N/O 260 41
46 Mile 1 .1 15 9 .5 7 93**  36

 

All snowfall measurements are expressed in inches and temperature in Fahrenheit. 24 hour sample period is from 6am-6am. 

* 24 hour snow water equivalent/ SWE.

** Season total snowfall measurements for 46 mile began December 1st.

 

Season history graphs for Thompson Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on links below to see a clear and expanded view of above Season history graphs

 

TP WX Nov 21

 

TP wx Dec 21

 

TP wx as of 1/6

Additional Information

Winter weather began early this season, with valley locations receiving their first snowfall on the last day of Summer (September 21st).  Following this storm, above average temperatures and wet weather occurred from late September through early November.  During this time period Thompson Pass received 96 inches of  snowfall by November 7th and Valdez recorded 7.73″ of rain.  

After the 7th of November our region experienced a sharp weather pattern change.  Temperatures dropped below seasonal norms and snowfall became infrequent.  Between the time frame of November 7th- November 28th Thompson Pass only reported 19″ of snow with 1.1″ of Snow water equivalent (SWE).  Temperatures remained below 0° F for most of the period.   This cold/dry weather caused significant faceting of the snowpack, with poor structure the result.

Moderate snowfall returned to our area the last day of November and deposited 6-12 inches of new snow.  The amount varied depending upon the locations’ proximity to the coast.  As the storm exited on the 2nd of December it was quickly replaced by moderate to strong northeast winds.  

On 12/5-12/6 Valdez received 2 feet of new snow with Thompson Pass reporting 16″.  Blaring red flags like collapsing, shooting cracks and propagation in stability tests were immediately present.  On 12/8 a significant remote/ sympathetic avalanche event occurred from Gully 1 through Nick’s Happy Valley. 

Strong outflow winds began on 12/11 with periods of light snowfall.  This has caused slab thicknesses to become variable in areas exposed to NE winds.

A fair amount of natural avalanche activity occurred during the 12/11 wind event mostly on southerly aspects.  The week following this wind event fairly benign weather occurred which allowed the snowpack to adjust and for stability to improve although snowpack structure has remained poor.  

On 12/21 our area received a couple inches of snow along with temperatures rising and strong outflow winds.  This combination of weather kicked off a fairly significant natural avalanche cycle.  Many of the slabs appeared to be deeper wind slabs that were created from the 12/11 wind event.  These failed on faceted snow created in November.  The event is yet another indicator of our poor snowpack structure and its inability to receive any major change in weather without the avalanche hazard rising in conjunction.

 

On 12/26-28 warm air moved in at elevation and caused light rain to fall up to ~4000′.  A very thin rain crust was formed in many locations that was unable to support a persons weight.

 

A prolonged period of strong north winds began on new years day with wind speeds reaching 80 mph.   As winds tapered to 30-40 mph on the 5th temperatures plummeted with lows exceeding -30 F in the Tsaina valley.

 

Snowfall returned to our area on 1/13 with a foot of snow reported on Thompson Pass.  An additional ~6 inches of snow were received on 1/15 with settled storm totals of 2.5 feet above 5000′.  

Moderate outflow winds kicked up on 1/16, but were short-lived and not wide spread.  This was followed by two days of calm and mild weather.

 

Stormy weather returned to our area on 1/19 with 10 consecutive days of measurable precipitation.  The Initial change in weather brought ~1 foot of dry snow which was quickly followed by a big warmup from 1/21-1/24, with snow line rising to 3000′.  This caused the snowpack to go upside down at the surface which created a decent amount of natural wet/loose activity near sea level and a couple D3 slab avalanches on Snowslide Gulch and Mt.Tiekel.  Observation of avalanche activity was limited due to continued storms and crowns being filled back in.  

 

After 1/24, precipitation continued with temperatures slowly dropping and snow line returning to sea level.  Precipitation ended on 1/29 with moderate northeast winds building wind slabs as skies cleared.

 

Snow water equivalent storm totals for 1/19-1/28 are as follows:

Valdez: 6.73″

Thompson Pass: 4.3″ (1/19-1/26)

46 Mile: 1.93″

Announcements

The avalanche hazard is Considerable above 4000′ and Moderate below.  Continued light snowfall and moderate northeast winds are slowly building the depths of storm and wind slabs.  Human triggered avalanches are likely at high elevations in specific areas 1-2 feet deep.  The most likely place to encounter instability will be on the lee side of high elevation ridge lines where wind has redistributed new snow.   Although unlikely, there is a small chance that a person could trigger an avalanche 3+ feet deep at weak faceted snow buried in the lower snowpack. 

Click the + Full Forecast button below for a list of current avalanche problems, travel advice, weather resources and more.

 

Help to improve your local avalanche center and contribute an observation to the website.  You can also contact me directly at [email protected] (907) 255-7690.