Thursday, May 20, 2010

Good morning,

Although spring is well underway at sea level, there is still over 7 ft of snow at the top of the ski hill and probably twice that in the upper mountain start zones. Warm weather in the beginning of May created many glide cracks, broke some cornices, and triggered several small to large avalanches above tree line. Recently, cool temperatures and limited precipitation has decreased avalanche activity. The snow pack has been well tested. Most snow that was going to slide has already done so, and the rest should slowly melt in place.

Expect skies to clear today, with temperatures in the upper 50’s during the day and the mid 30’s at night. Warm temperatures and strong sunshine may cause small to medium sized loose wet avalanches. Cornice breaks as well as our persistent deep instability could cause larger avalanches on western aspects, but are not as likely. Increased caution should be used after noon. The avalanche hazard should then decrease after sunset with decreasing temperatures. The weather and avalanche hazard should remain the same through the weekend. Backcountry users should use caution around glide cracks, cornices, and steep sun baked slopes.

As for the highway, there is no longer enough snow available to reach the road so the avalanche season is over. Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Current:                        Below threshold.

Outlook:                       The CRH avalanche season is over.

 

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

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

Tree Line:                      LOW  Use caution on steep slopes. 

Below Tree Line:          Below threshold.

Snow profiles and monthly reports are available at:
http://www.alaskasnow.org/avalanche-bulletins/cordova

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

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 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.