Avalanche Faces C-Chain Outage, No New Blocks Created for Nearly 3 Hours
Avalanche experienced a software issue with its node infrastructure, resulting in a nearly 3-hour halt in block production.
C-Chain Block Production Stalled for Nearly 3 Hours
According to data from the block explorer SnowTrace, Avalanche's C-Chain has not produced any new blocks since 06:26 AM UTC on March 23, 2023.
The project has yet to provide an official statement regarding the cause of the outage.
However, Ava Labs co-founder Kevin Sekniqi reported that the issue stemmed from node version v.1.9.12. Nodes updated to this version were unable to connect with those running older versions, disrupting the blockchain's consensus process.
In response, Avalanche quickly released a patch, version v.1.9.14, and urged validators to update to prevent further disruptions.
This is already fixed, if you're an Avalanche validator please upgrade to v.1.9.14 ASAP! https://t.co/dqVsjEAUb0
— Kevin Sekniqi 🔺 (@kevinsekniqi) March 23, 2023
Sekniqi confirmed that Avalanche has resumed normal block production and transaction processing. The continued display of halted blockchain data on SnowTrace is due to the block explorer’s data not yet being updated. Meanwhile, Avalanche’s subnets have continued block production without issues.
What was the root cause? Are versions 1.9.11 and before affected?
— David Waits (@davidwaits1994) March 23, 2023
Top South Korean crypto exchanges Upbit and Bithumb have temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals of AVAX due to the C-Chain outage.
Korean exchanges Upbit Bithumb and others have stated that due to Avalanche (AVAX) network problems, Avalanche (AVAX) deposit and withdrawal services have been suspended. https://t.co/cL3Ckxi7Ub https://t.co/zNKsZM144e
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) March 23, 2023
Avalanche is a blockchain composed of three chains: C-Chain, X-Chain, and P-Chain, each serving distinct functions:
- C-Chain: An EVM-compatible chain for smart contract execution. Most user transactions occur on this chain.
- X-Chain: Built on UTXO, primarily used for payments and liquidity connections with exchanges.
- P-Chain: Used for validator staking and governance.
Despite the C-Chain outage, AVAX’s price has not shown significant negative reaction, instead moving in line with broader crypto market trends following recent Fed interest rate hikes.
1-hour Chart of AVAX/USDT on Binance as of 09:05 AM UTC on March 23, 2023
Historically, other blockchains such as Solana and Polygon have also faced
