Trail Report for 01/15/2026
Alaska Safe Riders is back with another weekly snow and trail report – proudly supported by the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
Looking ahead, forecasts are calling for cold temperatures, variable winds, and periods of limited visibility across Southcentral. With light snow and wind redistribution expected, riding conditions will be best in lower-elevation zones, sheltered meadows, and well-traveled trail systems where visibility and hazard management are more predictable.
Local riders report three feet of fresh, light powder in the Petersville area, making for fun riding in open terrain, but that low-density snow is hiding stumps, rocks, and creek beds. Out west of Willow, snow depth increased the farther riders traveled, but overflow and open leads are widespread on river crossings, including sections of the Susitna, making travel routes a primary concern.
In Turnagain, socked-in weather kept riders low, and the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center reported multiple remotely triggered avalanches on Seattle Ridge, failing on a weak sugary layer about one to one-and-a-half feet deep. This layer remains reactive and can be triggered from low-angle terrain, so avoiding connected avalanche terrain is key.
Alaska Safe Riders has several upcoming events, including Mountain Riders Skills Clinics at Summit Lake January 24th and 25th, AK Powder Pursuit Women’s Clinics January 31st through February 1st, and an Avalanche and Backcountry Safety 2-Day Field Course February 7th and 8th in Thompson Pass — with more events listed on our website.
Visit Alaska Safe Riders dot org for full event details and to register as a member for more benefits and resources. From all of us at Alaska Safe Riders — ride smart, stay informed, and make decisions that get everyone home.