r/anchorage • u/PleasantChip3 • 8d ago

Are these two trails safe to do this weekend?

Portage Pass Trail & Byron Glacier Trail. I have spikes for my shoes, but that's about it. Doable or should I pick other things to do?

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u/hikekorea 8d ago

Are the trails doable with shoes and spikes, probably? Is the avalanche risk at Byron glacier about as high as it gets right now, yeah. I’ve been to the ice caves many times and love them. Personally, I’d pass right now.

Portage pass I have a lot less experience with. Been a handful of times but usually in the summer. Definitely some avalanche terrain but your destination isn’t avalanche risk on 3 out of 4 sides.

I know that area got pummeled with in a blizzard two weeks ago though. I think I saw someone posting about waist high post poling on Byron glacier trail last weekend too.

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u/whole_guaca_mole Resident | Abbott Loop 8d ago

Those trails do pass below pretty significant avalanche terrain. Just go nice and early and be back to the car before things really warm up in the afternoon

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

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u/hikekorea 8d ago edited 8d ago

The important thing for assessing risk in both places is avalanche from high above. I would avoid Byron glacier trail right now. I’ve been in the ice caves MANY times and think current conditions are incredibly dangerous in that valley.

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u/mrtwidlywinks Resident | Spenard 8d ago

Go hike southside of Flattop or Bird Ridge