Observation: Other Regions

Location: Alyeska

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Alyeska Ski Patrol confirmed the weak layer from Tuesday’s
(2/17/09) artillery-triggered avalanches on the outer area of the
Alyeska’s North Face called the “Money’s. The facets on top of
the January “hurricane” rain crust are once again a major area of
concern in our snowpack. If you look closely, you can see
the thin layer of facets above the smooth and slippery rain
crust. This crown face is at about 2600 feet, the same elevation
as the Seattle Creek Bowls. Turnagain Pass has the exact same
weak layer and bed surface, its just waiting for a heavier load
of snow on top. Maybe today’s wind (2/20/09) will tip the
balance. Watch out for wind slabs.