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Winter Safety in Portage Valley on the Chugach National Forest
Release Date: Feb 25, 2021
Contact(s): Michelle Putz
Anchorage, AK Feb. 25, 2021 — Longer days and sunshine have many itching to get outside. Portage Valley in the Chugach National Forest is a great destination, attracting winter visitors from across southcentral Alaska.
Whether or not Portage Valley is on your list as a go-to destination, the Forest is packed with outdoor activities. On a sunny day, Portage Lake is crowded with skiers, families pulling children on sleds, and fat-tire bikers. But don’t let the beauty and fresh air distract you from important safety considerations while you are outside.
Even when Portage Lake is frozen, the water is still flowing from the base of Portage Glacier to the outflow at the other end of the lake. This flow can cause varied ice thickness and instability in ice strength.
No matter where you are on the Forest, if you are crossing frozen water, watch for:
- cracks in surface ice
- slushy areas
- areas near moving water
- pressure ridges on the ice
These areas should be avoided. A sudden crack in the ice can quickly cause a large expanse of open water.
Use extreme caution if you are traveling on the lake after a snow. A heavy snow may hide crevasses and cracks in lake and glacial ice.
One of the remarkable features of glaciers is the calving that happens at their face and Portage Glacier is no exception: icebergs that break off the face of a glacier can crack the ice and quickly create open water. Remember too, the face of the glacier extends below the ice and icebergs can also calve from below, rising to the surface and cracking the ice with little or no warning.
Climbing on the glacier or in surrounding ice caves is discouraged. Fissures and crevasses within the glacier and ice structures can collapse or break off and crush you or hit people below. Ice caves can quickly become unstable during a sunny day or warmer temperatures.
Remember that avalanche danger can linger long into the spring, so check the weather and avalanche forecasts in areas where forecasts are available. Avalanche awareness is a necessity when travelling in the backcountry.
While there are safety considerations, the Chugach National Forest encourages visitors to get outside and enjoy the beauty of your national forest. Know Before You Go and be prepared so you can recreate responsibly and safely.