Special Weather Statement issued March 7 at 2:18PM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

The following message is transmitted at the request of the
Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center.

…THE CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER HAS
ISSUED A SPECIAL AVALANCHE STATEMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
GIRDWOOD, PORTAGE, WHITTIER, TURNAGAIN PASS, LOST LAKE, AND
SEWARD NOW THROUGH SUNDAY MARCH 9 AT 7:00 AM…

* WHAT…Due to recent snowfall on an unstable snowpack,
dangerous avalanche conditions exist, avalanche danger is
CONSIDERABLE in the backcountry.

* WHERE…For the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and
around Girdwood, Portage Valley, Whittier, Turnagain Pass, Lost
Lake, and Seward.

* WHEN…In effect now through Sunday March 9 at 7:00 AM AKDT.

* IMPACTS…Large human-triggered avalanches are likely. Despite
a lack of new snowfall today, the snowpack is very unstable and
dangerous avalanches can be easily triggered by people. It is
likely avalanches can be triggered remotely, from flat terrain
below steeper slopes.

* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… If deciding to recreate
in the backcountry, choose slopes that are low angle or less
than 30 degrees in steepness, with nothing steeper above you.
Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making skills
will be necessary to identify and avoid slopes that could
avalanche.

Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the
coverage area of this or any avalanche center.

For more information visit cnfaic.org.