The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 2000 feet in the Continental zone.   Above freezing temperatures at high elevation have been occurring for 24 hours.  There is the small chance that wind slabs or persistent slabs could reactivate at upper elevations and create dangerous hard slab avalanches 2-3 feet deep.  Low avalanche hazard exists below 2000 feet where old wind slabs are locked up and triggering them is unlikely.   Posted by Gareth Brown 12/4  8:00am.   For a description of avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 3000 feet in the Maritime zone.   Above freezing temperatures at high elevation have been occurring for 24 hours.  There is the small chance that wind slabs or persistent slabs could reactivate at upper elevations and create dangerous hard slab avalanches 2-3 feet deep.  Low avalanche hazard exists below 3000 feet where old wind slabs are locked up and triggering them is unlikely.   Posted by Gareth Brown 12/4  8:00am.   For a description of avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 4000 feet in the Intermountain zone.   Above freezing temperatures at high elevation have been occurring for 24 hours.  There is the small chance that wind slabs or persistent slabs could reactivate at upper elevations and create dangerous hard slab avalanches 2-3 feet deep.  Low avalanche hazard exists below 4000 feet where old wind slabs are locked up and triggering them is unlikely.   Posted by Gareth Brown 12/4  8:00am.   For a description of avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday.
The avalanche hazard is Moderate above 2000 feet in the Continental zone.   Above freezing temperatures at high elevation have been occurring for 24 hours.  There is the small chance that wind slabs or persistent slabs could reactivate at upper elevations and create dangerous hard slab avalanches 2-3 feet deep.  Low avalanche hazard exists below 2000 feet where old wind slabs are locked up and triggering them is unlikely.   Posted by Gareth Brown 12/4  8:00am.   For a description of avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday.
MaritimeIntermountainContinental
Forecast Expired - 12/05/2022

Current Advisory Level

Moderate

Above 3,000ftModerate

1,500 to 3,000ftLow

Below 1,500ftLow

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 12/05/2022

Current Advisory Level

Moderate

Above 4,000ftModerate

2,000 to 4,000ftLow

Below 2,000ftLow

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 12/05/2022

Current Advisory Level

Moderate

Above 4,000ftModerate

2,000 to 4,000ftModerate

Below 2,000ftLow

+ FULL FORECAST
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Valdez Avalanche Center

Valdez Avalanche Center

Support the education and sharing of avalanche information for mountains surrounding the Port of Valdez to Milepost 65 on the Richardson Highway. Our membership keeps the mission going. Join as a Valdez Avalanche Center member today, or donate directly.

The Valdez Avalanche Center has been providing safety information in the Chugach Mountains surrounding Valdez since 2006. It began as a radio interview discussing snow and avalanche conditions. Locals asked for information they could make plans with. Forecasts are currently issued Friday through Sunday with special alerts for significant weather or avalanche events. Information contained in the forecasts is intended to be used as a tool in conjunction with your personal backcountry hazard evaluation.

Public observations are encouraged and aid the accuracy of the avalanche forecasts in our data-sparse region.

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Other:

  • Smartphone app for Avalanche forecasts: Download either the iOS or Android version of the app for free<here> . Check out our community’s  snow observations.
  • Looking for guidebooks?
    • Alaska Backcountry Skiing Valdez & Thompson Pass by Matt Kinney.
    • Chuting Valdez – Steep backcountry skiing in and around Valdez by Aaron Brown.

2022/2023 Staff & Volunteers

kyle_sobek

Gareth Brown: Lead Forecaster

[email protected] / 907-255-7690

Gareth grew up backcountry skiing in Colorado.  He moved to Valdez, AK in 2010 and currently resides in Serendipity, AK, on the north side of Thompson Pass.  Gareth has spent the last 10 seasons exploring the Chugach by splitboard.  He completed his Pro 2 avalanche certification last year in Girdwood with AAI.

Sarah Carter: Instructor/Valdez Avalanche Center Director

[email protected]

Sarah loves a good travel novel, sweet powder turns, and standing on top of mountains! She looks forward to Sunday fun days with her two ripping sons, Chance & Cirque. She also teaches avalanche classes with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, Prince William Sound College, and UAA.

Kyle Sobek: Instructor/Forecaster

Kyle rides every moment he gets. Kyle is now a Kenny Lake resident and calls Alaska home. He seeks out every opportunity to learn about snow and mountain riding. Kyle instructs avalanche courses and forecasts part-time for Valdez Avalanche Center.

Sean Wisner: Rescue Coordinator

Ben Stolen: Observer

Gareth Brown: Observer

Josh McDonald: Observer

Dr. John Cullen, M.D.: Advisory Board Member and Medical Advisor

Will Stark: Advisory Board Member

Will grew up in Little Tutka Bay, across Kachemak Bay from Homer and attended college at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  After obtaining his bachelors degree he entered the management training program with First National Bank Alaska.  In 1997, the bank offered him a job opportunity in Valdez; over the last 20 years, the bank and Valdez have treated him well and he is proud to be associated with both.  Valdez has provided his wife, Erin, and Will an exceptional place to raise their two children, Liam and Noah.  In Valdez they have made great friends and find the town has the perfect mix of ocean and mountains with unparalleled access to both.  Will says he is honored and humbled to provide what help he can to the Valdez Avalanche Center.

Rich Loftin: Liason to AAIC Board of Directors

Kyle Klause: Advisory Board Member

John Cullen: Advisory Board Member

Interns:

2016 Josh Hege & Bobby Lieberman
2015-2016 Kyle Sobek
2014 Kevin Salys
2014 Monica Morin
2013 Dusty Reed
2012 Katreen Wikstroem
2011 Sam Benoit
2010-2012 Ethan Davis
2009 Jordan Pond
2009 Brad Deringer
2008 Elise Leahy

Sponsors

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Thanks to all our members and community supporters!

Valdez Gallery

Tailgate Alaska at Thompson Pass

Tailgate Alaska at Thompson Pass

hybrid users are common in Valdez

hybrid users are common in Valdez

Powder!

 

Powder!

Surface Hoar

 

Surface Hoar

Thompson Pass Terrain

 

Thompson Pass Terrain