Page 5 - Turnagain Pass News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Since the first big winter storms, snow on the western Kenai Peninsula has collapsed roofs, broken gas meters and raised backcountry avalanche risk.

After the avalanche debris subsided, the group was able to locate the partially buried skier and managed to excavate him. A noticeably fractured femur, however, forced them to contact rescue services.

The slides come near the end of an avalanche season experts say is notable both for its heightened danger and lack of deaths.

Local drivers recommend staying out of Turnagain Pass until the snow clears and avalanche forecasters recommend avoiding the backcountry until the snowpack stabilizes, which could take several days.

Snow for the winter season in Anchorage stands at 95.7 inches. More snow showers are to come on Friday too. Will the city hit 100 inches this year? Avalanche conditions are still deemed dangerous above 1,000 feet in Turnagain Pass and the Girdwood area. Experts caution that the snowpack needs at least another day to stabilize after all the new snow and high winds Thursday.