The avalanche hazard is high at all elevations. Thompson pass has received 18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours with 2.2" of SWE. Continued heavy snowfall and moderate to strong south winds will continue to stress the snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely today. Avoid travel in and below avalanche terrain.
The avalanche hazard is high at all elevations. Thompson pass has received 18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours with 2.2" of SWE. Continued heavy snowfall and moderate to strong south winds will continue to stress the snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely today. Avoid travel in and below avalanche terrain.
The avalanche hazard is high at all elevations. Thompson pass has received 18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours with 2.2" of SWE. Continued heavy snowfall and moderate to strong south winds will continue to stress the snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely today. Avoid travel in and below avalanche terrain.
The avalanche hazard is high at all elevations. Thompson pass has received 18 inches of snow in the last 24 hours with 2.2" of SWE. Continued heavy snowfall and moderate to strong south winds will continue to stress the snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely today. Avoid travel in and below avalanche terrain.
Current Advisory Level
HighAbove 4,000ftHigh
2,000 to 4,000ftHigh
Below 2,000ftHigh
Current Advisory Level
HighAbove 4,000ftHigh
2,000 to 4,000ftHigh
Below 2,000ftHigh
Current Advisory Level
HighAbove 4,000ftHigh
2,000 to 4,000ftHigh
Below 2,000ftHigh
Forecast Center Observation
| Date | 2020-02-19 |
| Location | Valdez |
| Observer | Jess E. |
| Avalanche | N |
General Observations
Natural avalanche observed on Solomon gulch trail at low elevation.
| Date | 2020-02-11 |
| Location | Valdez |
| Observer | Andrew Roche |
| Avalanche | N |
General Observations
An avalanche was observed adjacent to a snowmachine track near Solomon Lake. The avalanche was on a East facing aspect, ~900ft elevation, D:2/R:1, and appeared to be remotely snowmachine triggered.
| Date | 2020-02-15 |
| Location | Valdez |
| Observer | Gareth Brown |
| Avalanche | N |
General Observations
2/15: Crudbusters up to 4200' north aspect, -2° F at the road 8° F at 4100', partly cloudy, calm, light snow after 3 pm.Collapsing: No Shooting cracks: No Avalanches: NoFound 20cms of new snow from 2/12 sitting on a hard wind affected layer created 2/10. Found good stability up to 4200'.At 3000' Pit results produced…
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.
2019/2020 Staff & Volunteers
Forecaster: Gareth Brown
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.
gbrown@alaskasnow.org 907-255-7690
Sean Wisner: Rescue Coordinator
Ben Stolen: Observer
Gareth Brown: Observer
Josh McDonald: Observer
Dr. John Cullen, M.D.: Advisory Board Member and Medical Advisor
Rich Loftin: Advisory Board Member
Erica Shirk: Advisory Board Member
DB Palmer: 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
Thanks to all our members and community supporters!
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