Special Weather Statement
The Chugach NF Avalanche Information Center in Girdwood has
extended the SPECIAL AVALANCHE STATEMENT through 6 AM TUESDAY
JANUARY 13TH for the following areas: South Fork Eagle River,
Chugach State Park, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Moose
Pass, Summit Lake, and Seward.
* WHAT...Unusually dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the
backcountry. Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE.
* WHERE...For the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and
around Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Turnagain Pass, Summit
Lake, Moose Pass, Lost Lake, and Seward.
* WHEN...Now in effect through Tuesday 6:00 am AKST.
* IMPACTS...Very large human-triggered avalanches are likely.
Despite clear skies and nicer weather, the snowpack is very
unstable and dangerous avalanches can be easily triggered by
people. It is likely avalanches may be triggered remotely from
flat terrain below steeper slopes.
* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If deciding to recreate
in the backcountry, choose low-angle terrain 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 www.ChugachAvalanche.org.
From: Jan 12, 2026 05:58
Until: Jan 13, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches with
localized amounts up to 12 inches possible.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Lower Matanuska Valley.
* WHEN...From 9 AM Saturday to 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An initial round of light snow is still
expected later this evening, but new snowfall through Saturday
morning will stay light, generally an inch or less. A second
round of heavier snowfall will develop sometime late Saturday
morning or Saturday afternoon across Anchorage and Eagle River,
then spread northeast into the Matanuska Valley through Saturday
evening. The heaviest snow will likely be Saturday night. Snow
will then gradually end through Sunday morning.
From: Jan 09, 2026 23:19
Until: Jan 11, 2026 18:00
Avalanche Warning
SABAFC
The following message is transmitted at the request of the
Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center.
...THE CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST AVALANCHE INFORMATION CENTER HAS
ISSUED AN AVALANCHE WARNING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS: CHUGACH
STATE PARK, GIRDWOOD, PORTAGE, INTERIOR KENAI PENINSULA, AND THE
SOUTHERN KENAI PENINSULA MOUNTAINS...
* WHAT...The backcountry avalanche danger is HIGH. Very dangerous
avalanche conditions exist.
* WHERE...For the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains in and around
Anchorage, Girdwood, Portage, Lost Lake, and Seward.
* WHEN...In effect Saturday 6:00 AM AKST through Sunday 6:00 AM AKST.
* IMPACTS...Heavy snowfall and strong winds will overload a weak
snowpack, creating widespread areas of unstable snow. Both human
triggered and natural large avalanches are likely. Debris from
avalanches above may run into valley bottoms. Avalanche
conditions will remain very dangerous immediately after the
snow finishes.
* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...Travel in avalanche
terrain is NOT recommended. Backcountry travelers should stay
off of...and out from underneath slopes steeper than 30
degrees. Avalanches may run long distances. Outside of the
backcountry, roof avalanches are likely, pay attention to
children, people and pets under roofs shedding snow.
Similar avalanche danger may exist outside the coverage area of
this or any avalanche center.
For more information visit cnfaic.org.
For more information visit cnfaic.org.
From: Jan 10, 2026 14:47
Until: Jan 11, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches with
localized amounts up to 12 inches possible.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Lower Matanuska Valley.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavier snow bands west of Anchorage this
evening will move east across the city, Eagle River, and the
Matanuska Valley overnight. Steady snow will continue through
Sunday morning before gradually tapering off by Sunday afternoon
or evening.
From: Jan 11, 2026 05:59
Until: Jan 11, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12
inches with locally higher amounts possible.
* WHERE...Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavier snow bands west of Anchorage this
evening will move east across the city, Eagle River, and the
Matanuska Valley overnight. Steady snow will continue through
Sunday morning before gradually tapering off by Sunday afternoon
or evening.
From: Jan 11, 2026 05:59
Until: Jan 11, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, Interior Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain
Pass, and West Prince William Sound & Whittier.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities reduced to one half mile or less due to
blowing snow, mainly through Turnagain Pass. Travel could be very
difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
visibility. Rain on frozen and snow covered surfaces will create
difficult driving conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow falling onto wet or ice covered surfaces
near sea level may lead to hazardous travel conditions.
From: Jan 11, 2026 05:59
Until: Jan 11, 2026 15:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12
inches with locally higher amounts possible.
* WHERE...Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Due to a slight shift in the storm track,
winds are less likely to make it into the Hillside. Isolated
pockets of blowing snow remain possible in South Fork Eagle River,
Upper Bear Valley and Upper Potter Valley through this afternoon.
From: Jan 10, 2026 21:57
Until: Jan 11, 2026 06:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 4 to 8 inches with
localized amounts up to 12 inches possible.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Lower Matanuska Valley.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...As of early this afternoon, a band of heavier
snowfall is just west of Anchorage and is expected to drift
eastward this afternoon across Anchorage and Eagle River. It will
then spread northeast into the Matanuska Valley through this
evening. The heaviest snow will likely be this evening through the
overnight hours. Snow will then gradually end through Sunday
morning.
From: Jan 10, 2026 21:57
Until: Jan 11, 2026 06:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow, blowing snow, rain and freezing rain. Additional snow
accumulations of 4 to 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph
through Portage.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, Interior Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain
Pass, and West Prince William Sound & Whittier.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities reduced to one half mile or less due to
blowing snow, mainly through Turnagain Pass. Travel could be very
difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
visibility. Rain on frozen and snow covered surfaces will create
difficult driving conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong easterly winds have developed from
Whittier to Turnagain Arm. Winds will slowly diminish through the
day today, which will bring snow levels back down to sea level
later this evening and tonight. Snow falling onto wet or ice
covered surfaces near sea level may lead to hazardous travel
conditions.
From: Jan 10, 2026 21:57
Until: Jan 11, 2026 06:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
between 6 and 12 inches. Winds gusting up to 50 mph. Visibility
reduced to a half mile or less at times.
* WHERE...Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River.
* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An initial round of light snow will begin
late this evening along with strong and gusty southeast winds,
producing areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility through
midday Saturday. A second round of heavier snowfall will begin as
winds diminish by Saturday afternoon, then gradually end through
Sunday morning.
From: Jan 09, 2026 23:19
Until: Jan 10, 2026 16:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Heavy snow, blowing snow and freezing rain. Total snow
accumulations between 6 and 18 inches. Highest snowfall totals
expected at higher elevations and near Portage Valley. Winds could
gust as high as 50 mph through Turnagain Arm.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, Interior Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain
Pass, and West Prince William Sound & Whittier.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities reduced to one half mile or less due to
blowing snow. Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing
snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong easterly winds will develop late
tonight and continue through early Saturday morning. This may
transition precipitation in the lowest 500 ft to rain. Despite
warming temperatures, rain falling onto frozen ground is likely to
freeze on impact should rain develop. Rain will transition back
to snow Saturday night as temperatures cool, then end from
southwest to northeast Sunday morning.
From: Jan 09, 2026 23:19
Until: Jan 10, 2026 16:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow accumulations
between 6 and 12 inches. Winds gusting up to 50 mph. Visibility
reduced to a half mile or less at times.
* WHERE...Anchorage Hillside and Eagle River.
* WHEN...Until 9 AM AKST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An initial round of light snow will begin
late this evening along with strong and gusty southeast winds,
producing areas of blowing snow and reduced visibility through
midday Saturday. A second round of heavier snowfall will begin as
winds diminish by Saturday afternoon, then gradually end through
Sunday morning.
From: Jan 10, 2026 05:49
Until: Jan 10, 2026 15:00
Winter Storm Watch
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 4 and
12 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Winds could gust
as high as 30 mph.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Eagle River (all elevations), Matanuska
Valley, Susitna Valley, and Hatcher Pass.
* WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel
treacherous. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday
evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will spread into Anchorage and the
Mat-Su Valleys from southeast to northwest from Friday evening
into Saturday morning, then slowly end through Sunday morning.
Most locations will likely see total snowfall on the lower end of
expected amounts. A corridor of more intense snowfall is likely
across portions of the Mat-Su Valleys and Anchorage. However,
there remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding where this
axis of heavier snowfall will develop. Northeast winds could lead
to areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially near Broad Pass
and parts of the Matanuska Valley.
From: Jan 09, 2026 07:21
Until: Jan 09, 2026 16:00
Winter Storm Watch
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 6 and
30 inches possible. Highest snowfall totals expected at higher
elevations and near Portage Valley. Winds could gust as high as
40 mph.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, SW Kenai Peninsula, NW Kenai
Peninsula, Skilak Lake, Interior Kenai Peninsula, Turnagain Pass,
and West Prince William Sound & Whittier.
* WHEN...From Friday afternoon through Sunday morning.
* IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are possible and may make travel
treacherous. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce
visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday
evening commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will spread into the Kenai Peninsula and
Turnagain Arm from southeast to northwest throughout the afternoon
and evening on Friday and persist through Saturday, then gradually
end through Sunday morning. Most locations will likely see total
snowfall on the lower end of the expected range of amounts. A
corridor of more intense snowfall is likely across portions of the
Kenai Peninsula and Turnagain Arm. However, there remains a high
degree of uncertainty regarding where this axis of heavier snow
will develop.
From: Jan 09, 2026 07:21
Until: Jan 09, 2026 16:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold temperatures as low as 20 to 35 below expected.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Eagle River (all elevations), East Turnagain
Arm, Lower Matanuska Valley, NW Kenai Peninsula, Skilak Lake,
Interior Kenai Peninsula, and Turnagain Pass.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM AKST this afternoon.
* IMPACTS...Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with
prolonged exposure.
From: Jan 08, 2026 14:41
Until: Jan 09, 2026 01:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold temperatures as low as 20 to 35 below expected.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Eagle River (all elevations), East Turnagain
Arm, Lower Matanuska Valley, NW Kenai Peninsula, Skilak Lake,
Interior Kenai Peninsula, and Turnagain Pass.
* WHEN...Until 4 PM AKST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with
prolonged exposure.
From: Jan 08, 2026 00:11
Until: Jan 08, 2026 16:00
Special Weather Statement
* WHAT...Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry.
Human triggered avalanches are likely.
* WHERE...For Southwestern Chugach State Park from South Fork of
Eagle River to Indian Creek including Upper Rabbit Creek, Glen
Alps Recreation Area, and the backcountry terrain near Arctic
Valley. This bulletin does not apply to operating ski areas.
* WHEN...In effect from Wednesday 6:00 am to Thursday 6:00 am AKST.
* IMPACTS... Large human-triggered avalanches are likely. Despite
the calmer weather, the snowpack is very unstable and dangerous
avalanches can be easily triggered by people. It is likely
avalanches may be triggered remotely from flat terrain below
steeper slopes.
* PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If deciding to recreate in
the backcountry, choose terrain that is flat 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 www.ChugachAvalanche.org.
From: Jan 07, 2026 06:19
Until: Jan 08, 2026 15:00
Cold Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Very cold temperatures as low as 20 to 35 below expected.
* WHERE...Anchorage and Eagle River (all elevations), East Turnagain
Arm, Lower Matanuska Valley, NW Kenai Peninsula, Skilak Lake,
Interior Kenai Peninsula, and Turnagain Pass.
* WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 4 PM AKST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Very cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia with
prolonged exposure.
From: Jan 07, 2026 17:26
Until: Jan 08, 2026 02:00
Winter Storm Warning
* WHAT...Snow and periods of heavy snow with localized areas of
blowing and drifting snow expected.
Additional accumulations between 5 and 10 inches, with locally
higher amounts along the slopes of the Talkeetna Mountains and
Anchorage/Eagle River Hillsides. Winds gusting to 20 mph across
parts of the Mat-Su Valleys and North and West Anchorage.
Visibility reduced to as low as one half mile at times.
* WHERE...All elevations of Anchorage and Eagle River, Lower
Matanuska Valley, Southern Susitna Valley, and Central Susitna
Valley.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Localized areas of
blowing and drifting snow, and periods of heavy snow, could
significantly reduce visibility. The light and powdery nature of
the snow will be easily lofted by winds and vehicles, leading to
the potential of significantly reduced visibility at times on area
roadways. Snow and frost on very cold surfaces will lead to slick
road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday
evening, Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This second round of snow will bring
additional snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches, with locally higher
amounts possible at higher elevations, to the area with snow
expected to linger into Wednesday morning before slowly
diminishing.
From: Jan 06, 2026 01:09
Until: Jan 07, 2026 21:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow and localized areas of blowing and drifting snow
expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 14 inches, with
locally higher amounts near Hatcher Pass and Anchorage/Eagle River
Hillsides. Winds gusting to 20 mph across parts of the Mat-Su
Valleys and North and West Anchorage. Visibility reduced to as low
as one half mile at times.
* WHERE...Anchorage / Eagle River (all elevations), Matanuska
Valley, Hatcher Pass, Southern Susitna Valley, and Central Susitna
Valley.
* WHEN...Until 7 AM AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow
could significantly reduce visibility. The light and powdery
nature of the snow will be easily lofted by winds and vehicles,
leading to the potential of significantly reduced visibility at
times on area roadways. Snow and frost on very cold surfaces will
lead to slick road conditions.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This will be a prolonged winter weather event
with two distinct periods of snow. For this initial event, gusty
winds may cause localized areas of drifting and blowing snow,
especially across N and W Anchorage through the rest of this
morning. Then, snow will become lighter or taper off for a time
through late this afternoon before the second round of snow
develops. This second round of snow will linger into Wednesday
morning before slowly diminishing. 6 to 14 inches of snow is
possible with this second round, with locally higher amounts
possible at higher elevations, including the Anchorage/Eagle River
Hillside and Hatcher Pass.
From: Jan 05, 2026 21:59
Until: Jan 07, 2026 16:00
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches.
Winds gusting as high as 30 mph along Turnagain Arm.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, Portage, and Turnagain Pass.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities reduced to one half mile or less due to
blowing snow. Roads will likely become slick and hazardous. Travel
could be difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly
reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the
Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
From: Jan 06, 2026 17:40
Until: Jan 07, 2026 01:45
Winter Storm Warning
* WHAT...Heavy snow and localized areas of drifting and blowing snow
across N and W Anchorage. Additional snow accumulations between 6
and 12 inches with storm total snow amounts of 16 to 24 inches.
Visibility reduced to one half mile at times during heavy snow.
Highest amounts near the Talkeetna Mountains and along
Anchorage/Eagle River Hillsides.
* WHERE...All elevations of Anchorage and Eagle River, Lower
Matanuska Valley, Southern Susitna Valley, and Central Susitna
Valley.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...The light and powdery nature of the snow will be easily
lofted by winds and vehicles, leading to significantly reduced
visibility at times on area roadways. The hazardous conditions
could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Bands of heavy snow will continue through
Tuesday afternoon before tapering off from west to east as a drier
northwest winds develops. Snow will likely linger across the
western foothills of the Talkeetna Mountains and across East
Anchorage and along the Glenn Highway corridor to Eagle River, and
over the Hillsides of Anchorage and Eagle River.
From: Jan 06, 2026 17:40
Until: Jan 07, 2026 01:45
Winter Weather Advisory
* WHAT...Snow and localized areas of blowing and drifting snow
expected. Additional snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches.
Visibility reduced to as low as one half mile at times.
* WHERE...East Turnagain Arm, Portage, and Turnagain Pass.
* WHEN...Until noon AKST Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Visibilities reduced to one half mile or less due to
blowing snow. Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
likely become slick and hazardous. Travel could be difficult.
Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
Highest snowfall amounts expected near Portage. The hazardous
conditions could impact the Monday evening, Tuesday morning and
evening commutes.
From: Jan 06, 2026 01:09
Until: Jan 06, 2026 16:00
