Avalanche Warning Statement – Issued December 28, 2015/1700

Effective 12/29-1500 through 12-31-0600.  Models and NWS discussion forecasts are aligned for a CONSIDERABLE AVALANCHE HAZARD to develop Tuesday night with the second of two lows bringing an abundance of precipitation as snow at higher elevations and rain at lower elevations. Of particular concern Wednesday morning is a rapid rise in SE winds to near 70 along higher elevations along with moderate snowfall rates over a 9 hours period. This may warrant a HIGH AVALANCHE HAZARD on northerly aspects. This Statement will be revised as needed.

Long term forecast call for a parade of lows to move through the Valdez Chugach for most the week with a couple feet of new snow likely above 2000′, which should remain above freezing, while Valdez gets a mixed bag of more rain than snow.

Current snow depth in Valdez is 60cm with 7cm of new wet snow.