The avalanche hazard is Considerable at all elevations. 18-36 inches of new snow has accumulated at low elevations with higher amounts and moderate to strong winds at upper elevation.  This new snow will need time to settle and bond to the underlying snowpack.  In the meantime, human triggered avalanches are likely up to 3 feet in depth and natural avalanches are possible.   Posted by Gareth Brown 03/19  9:00 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. 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. 18-36 inches of new snow has accumulated at low elevations with higher amounts and moderate to strong winds at upper elevation.  This new snow will need time to settle and bond to the underlying snowpack.  In the meantime, human triggered avalanches are likely up to 3 feet in depth and natural avalanches are possible.   Posted by Gareth Brown 03/19  9:00 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. 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. 18-36 inches of new snow has accumulated at low elevations with higher amounts and moderate to strong winds at upper elevation.  This new snow will need time to settle and bond to the underlying snowpack.  In the meantime, human triggered avalanches are likely up to 3 feet in depth and natural avalanches are possible.   Posted by Gareth Brown 03/19  9:00 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. 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. 18-36 inches of new snow has accumulated at low elevations with higher amounts and moderate to strong winds at upper elevation.  This new snow will need time to settle and bond to the underlying snowpack.  In the meantime, human triggered avalanches are likely up to 3 feet in depth and natural avalanches are possible.   Posted by Gareth Brown 03/19  9:00 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. 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 - 03/20/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 3,000ftConsiderable

1,500 to 3,000ftConsiderable

Below 1,500ftConsiderable

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 03/20/2023

Current Advisory Level

Considerable

Above 4,000ftConsiderable

2,000 to 4,000ftConsiderable

Below 2,000ftConsiderable

+ FULL FORECAST
Forecast Expired - 03/20/2023

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 ripping sons, Chance & Cirque. 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

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Thompson Pass Terrain