City of Cordova Alaska - City of Cordova Alaska

Current Avalanche Conditions

Noon Tuesday, May 14, 2013

COPPER RIVER HIGHWAY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Current:                        MODERATE

Outlook:                       The avalanche hazard may increase Thursday evening.

BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE HAZARD

Above Tree Line:          CONSIDERABLE Avoid cornices, glide cracks, and steep unsupported slopes.

Tree Line:                     CONSIDERABLE Avoid glide cracks, and steep unsupported slopes.

Below Tree Line:          MODERATE  Avoid large paths.

Hello,

In the first five days of May, our snowpack was tested with over 7 inches of water and the freezing line above our local peaks. Several small to large avalanches occurred at tree line and above, though glide cracks, cornice breaks, and full depth avalanches were scarce. This suggests the snowpack wasn’t yet tested enough. 5 days of strong sunshine and warm temperatures followed with some avalanche activity but not much. Precipitation rate has increased the last 3 days, causing an increase in avalanche activity.

Precipitation should taper tonight and give us a quick reprieve Wednesday before increasing again Thursday. Small to medium sized wet avalanches will continue as our spring shed gets into full swing. Cornice breaks, and full depth avalanches are less likely, though consequences could be large. Caution is advised at 3 mile, 5 mile, and 5.5 mile of the Copper River Highway. Backcountry users should avoid cornices, glide cracks, steep unsupported slopes, and large paths. Models suggest we will get 4 to 5 inches of water from noon Thursday to noon Saturday. The avalanche hazard may increase Thursday evening.

Please email me if you would like to be added or removed from this email list.

Steve “Hoots” Witsoe

424-4668 home

429-4668 cell

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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.