Comments
This is a preliminary report completed by HPAC and CNFAC forecasters with information provided by Crown Mtn. Guides. Information regarding the weather and snowpack for the location is very limited due to its remote nature. HPAC and CNFAC forecasters were not able to visit the accident site, but have attempted to add inferred context where appropriate. Block quoted portions in italics were provided by Crown Mtn. Guides.
Location: Gannet Glacier, Chugach Mountains
Lat/Lon: N 61.25006, W -148.31643
Date: April 29, 2026, 11:57 a.m.
Report by: Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center (HPAC) and Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center (CNFAC)
Contact: info@hpavalanche.org
Avalanche Information*
Type: Soft Slab
Problem/Character: Storm slab, stepped down to persistent slab
Crown Depth: 2-3’
Width: 250’
Trigger: Snowboarder
Weak Layer: Persistent Grain
Aspect: North
Elevation: 6600’ at start zoneCode: SS – ARu – D3 – I/O
Time: 11:57 a.m.
*The above information was provided by Crown Mtn. Guides
Avalanche Summary
Initiated as a soft storm slab 20-30cm down, 50-100ft down slope stepped down to 60-70cm onto persistent grain atop a more firm surface likely buried 1-2 weeks prior, crown estimated to be 250ft wide
Weather Summary
Weather data for the accident site is very limited. The most relevant weather stations measuring precipitation are located in the Portage Valley (appx. 40 mi south of the site, elev. 115’) and at Alyeska Resort (appx. 35 mi southwest of the site, elev. 2750’). General wind patterns may be inferred from weather stations located on top of Max’s Mtn. (appx. 35 mi. southwest of the site, elev. 3200’), Sunburst (appx. 45 mi. southwest of the site, elev. 3800’), and Arctic Valley (appx. 40 mi. west of the site, elev. 3993’). We have used these stations as the best available approximations of weather trends, but there may be significant differences between measurements at these stations and the weather observed at the accident site. During the time leading up to the accident, the heliski operator noted:
Significant precipitation in the form of rain and snow, strong winds and large swings in temperature up to 50F over the previous two weeks.
An extended period of southerly flow brought a series of storms that impacted the area during the weeks prior to the avalanche. Stations recorded just under 8” precipitation in Portage and 5” at Alyeska between Apr. 15 and Apr. 29, equalling roughly 4 to 6’ snowfall at upper elevations during that time. The last pulse of moisture passed through the area between the evening of Apr. 26 and early morning on Apr. 28. During this 36-hour window, Portage recorded 2.16” precipitation and Alyeska recorded 1.73”, which would have amounted to 1.5 to 2’ snow above 2000’ elevation. This fell as rain up to between 1500’ and 2000’, and was accompanied by very strong easterly winds, averaging 20 to 50 mph with gusts of 50 to 80 mph.
The avalanche occurred at 6600 ft, where all of the precipitation mentioned above fell as snow. While snowfall totals may have been as high as 6 to 8’ during the second half of April for areas most favored by the series of storms (e.g. the Portage Valley), that snow had likely settled to roughly 2 to 4’ deep on average. The weather began to clear on Apr. 28, with fair weather continuing through Apr. 29. On the 29th, skies were partly sunny to mostly cloudy, and easterly winds averaged 10 to 20 mph.
Snowpack
The Gannett Glacier area is situated relatively close to Prince William Sound and typically receives heavy snowfall characteristic of a maritime range. However, the 2025-26 season included several extended periods of cold and clear weather, which contributed to a below-average snowpack depth and the development of several persistent weak layers in the region. An avalanche fatality was reported nearby in the Lake George area about a month prior to this accident, but details about that avalanche or the snowpack are limited.
The snowpack in the Gannet Glacier area often follows a pattern similar to that of the nearby CNFAC Girdwood/Turnagain Pass zone, but dramatic differences in elevation and localized weather patterns make it challenging to extrapolate information accurately. Forecasters were unable to visit the site following the accident, and no prior observations or detailed snowpack assessments have been provided beyond what is included in this report. The heliski operator provided the following information from the day of the accident:
Skiing took place in a region outside of the forecast area. No obvious signs of instability were observed during the flight or on the ground during other ski runs of the day, no collapsing, no shooting cracks, and no recent natural slides. One full pit was completed, results: ECTX. Multiple hand pits were also dug; the soft slab did not react.
Numerous D2-D3 avalanches reported in the CNFAC and HPAC forecast areas from recent storm activity. Reported in all aspects and elevations however favoring solar affected and low to mid elevations.
With a significant amount of recent snow and strong temperature swings, public observations across the broader region within and adjacent to HPAC and CNFAC forecast zones indicated an assortment of avalanche problems. Shallow, new snow and wind-loaded instabilities, as well as more deeply buried weak layers, were likely being compounded by periods of warming and recent loading. Several periods of clear skies and below-average temperatures had resulted in the development of near-surface facets and surface hoar during the beginning of April, contributing to the complicated snowpack structure in the region.
Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
There is no public backcountry avalanche forecast for the Gannet Glacier area. HPAC and CNFAC forecast areas are 30 to 50 miles away. The nearest forecast area is the CNFAC Girdwood/Turnagain Pass forecast zone, which is situated roughly 30 miles to the southwest of the accident site. There are often major differences in weather and snowpack trends in the Gannet Glacier area and those observed within any of the zones covered by HPAC or CNFAC. The heliski operation has its own avalanche safety program, but has not yet provided any assessments or observations beyond those mentioned in this report.
HPAC and the CNFAC had transitioned to their late-season forecasting schedule and had not issued danger ratings for the day of the accident. The CNFAC had issued a Considerable danger rating for the Girdwood/Turnagain Pass zone the previous day, with danger remaining at Considerable in their 24-hour outlook. The forecast mentioned ‘the potential to trigger larger avalanches on buried weak layers’ as well as ‘lingering wind slabs and new snow instabilities’ in areas favored by a storm that impacted the general area on Apr. 27.
Accident and Rescue Summary
The operator provided the following account of the incident:
Two guides, one client and helicopter pilot on scene. Second run in Gannett Bench zone started from the same ridge top LZ as the first run. Guide dropped in first and slide originated a few feet above snowboarder. He was caught in the slide and immediately inflated his avalanche pack. Fellow guide and pilot able to keep eyes on for a portion of the event however the powder cloud obscured visual. Pilot launched helicopter within a couple minutes and scouted from the air while the other guide initiated a beacon search. Other guide rapidly located buried snowboarder who was extricated from the debris and CPR was administered. Crew in the field then loaded the Heli and landed at the hospital within 38 minutes of the slide. Snowboarder caught and carried succumbed to injuries on Saturday May 2, 2026.
This report will be updated if more information becomes available. Any questions may be directed to:
info@hpavalanche.org
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Alaska State Trooper Press Release:
https://dailydispatch.dps.alaska.gov/Home/DisplayIncident?incidentNumber=AK26038218
Caption for Location Map:
Approximate location of the incident. Weather stations are marked with pins, and the nearest public backcountry forecast zone (Girdwood/Turnagain Pass) is shaded in gray.
