Valdez
Above 3,000ftModerate
1,500 to 3,000ftModerate
Below 1,500ftLow
Degrees of Avalanche Danger
Avalanche Problems
Problem 1
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Problem 2
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Problem 3
Likelihood:
- Almost Certain
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Possible
- Unlikely
Size:
- Historic
- Very Large
- Large
- Small
Trend
- Increasing
- Steady
- Decreasing
Avalanche Activity
1 large avalanche was reported on Dec 23rd: a slab avalanche near the ridgeline of RFS, below the cornice. It was reported as possibly a size 2.5, persistent slab that ran 800-1000′.
Over the past few days several small wind slabs released near Thompson Pass from human triggers and several more small cornices released naturally, south facing 3-4000′.
Weather
Since Dec 23 there has been little snow and light to moderate winds (mainly from the NE). 2″ at Thompson pass. Trace at 46 mile. 4″ in Valdez.
The NWS Rec Forecast can be found HERE:
318 PM AKST Thu Dec 27 2018
The Thompson Pass Mountain Forecast covers the mountains (above
1000 ft) surrounding Keystone Canyon through Thompson Pass to
Worthington Glacier.
Tonight Fri
Temp at 1000` 20 F 26 F
Temp at 3000` 23 F 23 F
Chance of precip 70% 50%
Precip amount
(above 1000 FT) 0.04 in 0.03 in
Snow amount
(above 1000 FT) 1-3 in 1-2 in
Snow level sea level sea level
Wind 3000` ridges NE 15-30 mph E 5-12 mph
Remarks...None.
Additional Information
If you get out riding, please send in an observation!
Do a rescue practice with your partners. Always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, and KNOW HOW TO USE THEM.
Practice good risk management, which means only expose one person at a time to slopes 30 degrees and steeper, make group communication and unanimous decision making a priority, and choose your terrain wisely: eliminating unnecessary exposure and planning out your safe zones and escape routes.
Beacon Practice Workshop: Friday Dec 28, 6-7:30pm Mike’s Palace in VALDEZ. 45 Minutes inside review then 45 minute outside practice (bring snow boots). Free for VAC members ($25/annual) or $5 suggested donation.
Announcements
The overall hazard is moderate and all 3 zones have the same forecast. Click ‘full forecast’ to get more info. The VAC is hosting a beacon practice session Friday Dec 28th, 6-7:30 in Valdez…come brush off your rescue rust!