The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center has issued an avalanche warning for parts of Southcentral Alaska, with extremely hazardous backcountry conditions expected to persist through early Friday.

The warning covers the Western Chugach and Kenai Mountains, including areas around Girdwood, Portage Valley, Whittier, and Turnagain Pass. The warning is in effect from noon Thursday through 6 a.m. Friday.

Forecasters say avalanche danger is rated high, driven by heavy snowfall and strong winds that are creating widespread unstable snow conditions. Both human-triggered and naturally occurring large avalanches are considered likely.

Officials warn that avalanche debris could run long distances into valley bottoms, increasing the risk for anyone traveling in runout zones or low-l

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