The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations.  Human triggered avalanches are likely up to 2 feet in depth. Natural avalanches are possible.  A prolonged period of incremental precipitation along with rising temperatures since the 25th has increased the likelihood of multiple avalanche problems.  The likelihood and size of wet loose avalanches that could occur today is on the increase due to temperatures at low elevations remaining at or above freezing the last 4 days.  At upper elevations new snow has formed upside down storm slabs and added stress to a weak layer in the upper snowpack increasing the likelihood of human triggered storm/ persistent avalanches.  Avoid avalanche terrain that has become isothermal at low elevations and observe the depth and sensitivity of new snow at mid-upper elevations.    Thanks to everyone that used and/or contributed to the avalanche forecast this season!  This is the last public avalanche forecast of the season, although does not mark the end of avalanche season in the mountains.  Avalanche hazard continues to exist in the Valdez- Thompson Pass region. Current conditions moving forward will likely differ form todays forecast.   Posted by Gareth Brown 04/30  6:00 am.     For a description of current avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday through April 30th. If you have pictures of recent natural or human triggered avalanches or notice signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, leave an observation to help improve forecast accuracy.  
The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations.  Human triggered avalanches are likely up to 2 feet in depth. Natural avalanches are possible.  A prolonged period of incremental precipitation along with rising temperatures since the 25th has increased the likelihood of multiple avalanche problems.  The likelihood and size of wet loose avalanches that could occur today is on the increase due to temperatures at low elevations remaining at or above freezing the last 4 days.  At upper elevations new snow has formed upside down storm slabs and added stress to a weak layer in the upper snowpack increasing the likelihood of human triggered storm/ persistent avalanches.  Avoid avalanche terrain that has become isothermal at low elevations and observe the depth and sensitivity of new snow at mid-upper elevations.    Thanks to everyone that used and/or contributed to the avalanche forecast this season!  This is the last public avalanche forecast of the season, although does not mark the end of avalanche season in the mountains.  Avalanche hazard continues to exist in the Valdez- Thompson Pass region. Current conditions moving forward will likely differ form todays forecast.   Posted by Gareth Brown 04/30  6:00 am.     For a description of current avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday through April 30th. If you have pictures of recent natural or human triggered avalanches or notice signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, leave an observation to help improve forecast accuracy.  
The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations.  Human triggered avalanches are likely up to 2 feet in depth. Natural avalanches are possible.  A prolonged period of incremental precipitation along with rising temperatures since the 25th has increased the likelihood of multiple avalanche problems.  The likelihood and size of wet loose avalanches that could occur today is on the increase due to temperatures at low elevations remaining at or above freezing the last 4 days.  At upper elevations new snow has formed upside down storm slabs and added stress to a weak layer in the upper snowpack increasing the likelihood of human triggered storm/ persistent avalanches.  Avoid avalanche terrain that has become isothermal at low elevations and observe the depth and sensitivity of new snow at mid-upper elevations.    Thanks to everyone that used and/or contributed to the avalanche forecast this season!  This is the last public avalanche forecast of the season, although does not mark the end of avalanche season in the mountains.  Avalanche hazard continues to exist in the Valdez- Thompson Pass region. Current conditions moving forward will likely differ form todays forecast.   Posted by Gareth Brown 04/30  6:00 am.     For a description of current avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday through April 30th. If you have pictures of recent natural or human triggered avalanches or notice signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, leave an observation to help improve forecast accuracy.  
The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations.  Human triggered avalanches are likely up to 2 feet in depth. Natural avalanches are possible.  A prolonged period of incremental precipitation along with rising temperatures since the 25th has increased the likelihood of multiple avalanche problems.  The likelihood and size of wet loose avalanches that could occur today is on the increase due to temperatures at low elevations remaining at or above freezing the last 4 days.  At upper elevations new snow has formed upside down storm slabs and added stress to a weak layer in the upper snowpack increasing the likelihood of human triggered storm/ persistent avalanches.  Avoid avalanche terrain that has become isothermal at low elevations and observe the depth and sensitivity of new snow at mid-upper elevations.    Thanks to everyone that used and/or contributed to the avalanche forecast this season!  This is the last public avalanche forecast of the season, although does not mark the end of avalanche season in the mountains.  Avalanche hazard continues to exist in the Valdez- Thompson Pass region. Current conditions moving forward will likely differ form todays forecast.   Posted by Gareth Brown 04/30  6:00 am.     For a description of current avalanche problems, weather information, season history and more click the (+ full forecast) button.  Avalanche forecasts will be issued Wednesday-Sunday through April 30th. If you have pictures of recent natural or human triggered avalanches or notice signs of instability such as shooting cracks or collapsing, leave an observation to help improve forecast accuracy.  
MaritimeIntermountainContinental
Forecast Expired - 05/01/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 3,000ftConsiderable

1,500 to 3,000ftConsiderable

Below 1,500ftConsiderable

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 05/01/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 4,000ftConsiderable

2,000 to 4,000ftConsiderable

Below 2,000ftConsiderable

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 05/01/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 4,000ftConsiderable

2,000 to 4,000ftConsiderable

Below 2,000ftConsiderable

+ 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.

 

 

Become a VAC member and submit local snow, weather and avalanche observations to win prizes. The more memberships and observations, the more chances to win!

               

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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

Gareth Brown

Lead Forecaster

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 in Girdwood with AAI. Contact: [email protected] / 907-255-7690

Sarah Carter

Instructor and Director

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 sons. She also teaches avalanche classes with the Alaska Avalanche Information Center, Prince William Sound College, and UAA. Contact: [email protected]

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