Today's Discussion

With no new snow in the last week and no snow in the avalanche track and runout zones avalanche danger remains LOW today.

Natural avalanches are not likely and should they occur they will not be large enough to reach the urban interface.

Please remember this is not a backcountry forecast.  Conditions up in the snow may be much different especially over the next few days as snow enters the region once again.

We had moderate outflow winds the last week that formed wind slabs on our southerly aspects along the channel.  These have bonded better over the last several days and although some level of weakness may exist with no real triggers today natural avalanches are not likely.

Currently its 21f at the tram up from yesterdays 18f low.  Eaglecrest is showing 15f on summit after a high of 21 yesterday.  Winds peaked at ESE 33 at Eaglecrest this morning...  these are the strongest winds for them in the last few days.  Current winds remain ese24-26mph at Eaglecrest.  The tram had peak winds to n28 yesterday but winds have since rolled around to the ESE to 5-10mph.  Sheep mountain saw winds to N39 but we didnt see a true taku event this week.  Winds only remained moderate.

The snowpack continues to settle and bond gaining strength.  The next few days bring new snow into the region.  Watch to see how the new snow bonds to the old snow surface and also test the deeper weak layers to see if they become reactive once again after new load is added.  Be aware that more snow means more danger...  pay attention to the weather this week.  Things are changing.

The National Weather Service Forecasts-

Today- Increasing clouds. Chance of snow early in the morning, then snow showers. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Highs in the mid 30s. East winds 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight- Snow showers. Snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches. Lows in the upper 20s. East winds around 10 mph.

Tuesday- Rain and snow showers likely. Snow accumulation up to 1 inch. Highs in the upper 30s. East winds around 10 mph.

Tuesday Night- Rain and snow showers. Lows in the lower 30s. East winds around 10 mph.

Primary Avalanche Problem

Wind Slab

Description

We had moderate outflow winds the last week that formed wind slabs on our southerly aspects along the channel.  These have bonded better over the last several days and although some level of weakness may exist with no real triggers today natural avalanches are not likely.

New snow today and wind will start to again build out wind slabs over the next 24 hours that will likely become the next layer of concern during this week.

Secondary Avalanche Problem

Cornice Fall

Description

Cornice falls have triggered a few small avalanches over the last week.  Even though there is not much in the way of a natural trigger today recognize that in places around the region cornices have formed that may be weak and have the potential to start small slab avalanches.

Today should be mostly calm.  We do not foresee any large activity.  Avalanche dangers will remain low and yet building over the next 24 hours with the potential for several inches of new snow.

Please continue to share your snowpack and avalanche observations with the Coastal Alaska Avalanche Center at http://CoastalAkAvalanche.org and remember the more we know...  the safer the snow...

Play it safe out there and have an amazing day.