Think twice about testing your new outdoor Christmas gear: Authorities are still warning of dangerous avalanche and travel conditions in Turnagain Pass and the Portage Valley southeast of Anchorage.
Heavy new snow and strong winds in the pass have created a high risk of avalanches on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center said in a rare warning issued Sunday morning.
The center recommended against any travel in avalanche terrain, writing in its morning forecast that "today is a day to hunker down, unwrap presents, hit the slopes at Alyeska or your local ski hill."
Forecasters said a foot of new snow fell overnight as a storm blew through the area, with a total of 20 inches possible by Sunday afternoon. At noon Sunday, radar still showed "plenty more moisture" moving into the area, National Weather Service meteorologist Joe Wegman said.
The weather service's winter weather advisory for Turnagain Pass and the Portage Valley, which calls for winds gusting to 55 mph runs through 5 p.m.
"I still wouldn't let my guard down or encourage travel through that area as of yet," Wegman said.
Anchorage was largely spared from the gnarly Christmas weather. At noon, it was overcast and 26 F, with winds at 5 mph and 10 miles of visibility. But Anchorage police warned motorists that city streets and highways were extremely slick.