Alaska State Troopers issued a statewide avalanche advisory Friday cautioning people to be aware of heightened avalanche danger, which they said would be elevated in much of the state over the weekend.
The advisory recommends that people planning to recreate in the mountains or backcountry over the next several days be prepared for an increased risk of avalanche danger. That includes checking avalanche forecasts, telling people where you are going and when you are planning on returning, carrying avalanche safety equipment and carrying an emergency communication device that will work where you are. Avalanche safety equipment may include an avalanche beacon, a probe, a shovel and an airbag system.
Data from the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center showed a moderate risk of avalanches in Turnagain Pass on Friday.
An avalanche near Summit Lake on Monday evening estimated to be about 200 feet wide and 4-6 feet deep cut off travel to and from the Kenai Peninsula for several hours while state workers cleared the road.
Updated Alaska avalanche forecast information for the region can be found at cnfaic.org.
Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.
