Friday, May 29th, 2009

Good morning,

The 2008 / 2009 Copper River Highway avalanche season is now officially over. There is no longer enough snow in the mountains to pose any hazard to the highway, and it is highly unlikely that we will see any new snow until next fall.

As for the backcountry, the snowpack is mostly uniform and isothermal and expected to melt in place. Small loose snow avalanches may occur on steep slopes. Cornices and glide cracks may produce larger avalanches, but are less likely. Backcountry users should use caution around cornices, glide cracks and steep slopes. The hazard could increase with significant precipitation or hot sunshine.

Thanks to everyone for their observations and other help. Any comments, especially constructive criticism, are greatly appreciated.

Steve “Hoots” Witsoe
424-4668 home
253-4668 cell
hoots@ctcak.net

 

COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Current: No avalanche hazard due to lack of snow.

Outlook: The 2008 / 2009 CRH avalanche season is over.

 

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Above Tree Line: LOW  to  MODERATE  Use caution around cornices, glide cracks, and steep slopes.

Tree Line: LOW  Use caution around large avalanche paths.

Below Tree Line: No avalanche hazard due to lack of snow.

Current avalanche activity is an important factor in avalanche forecasting.  Please report all observed avalanche activity.

For Alaska Department of Transportation use only.
Other users:
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IN NO EVENT SHALL THE PROVIDERS NOR THE CITY OF CORDOVA BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES RESULTING FROM DISCOMFORT, INJURY, OR DEATH, CLAIMS BY THIRD PARTIES OR FOR OTHER SIMILAR COSTS, OR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE INFORMATION.