Clear, calm, and cold. Temperatures were single digits below 0F in the parking lot but surprisingly pleasant in the sun.
Observation: Girdwood
Location: Crow Creek
We did a few laps in the sun in the Crow Creek area today. We dug one snowpit to the ground on a southern aspect at about 2000′ and found the weakest snowpack I’ve seen this season. There were multiple layers of faceted snow that didn’t give cause for concern where we were traveling today, but will be a problem with the next load.
Weather
Snow surface
The surface snow was mostly near-surface facets, which skied great but will be an issue when we start loading it with wind and storm snow.
Snowpack
This was the weakes snowpack I've seen this year. There was about 1.5' of faceted snow sitting on top of the Thanksgiving crust. The setup wasn't an issue today since there was no slab on top, but it does not look like it will support much weight. This will be a dangerous snowpack when the next round of active weather arrives tomorrow. More details and snowpit information in attached photos.
We dug a snowpit on a southern aspect at about 2000' and found very weak snow throughout the depth of the snowpack. This will be a concern when the weather starts to pick up tomorrow. 12.24.2022
Older avalanche activity from the last storm (12/14-15). Similar activity will be likely with the next storm. 12.24.2022
Snowpit information from our pit on a southern aspect at 2000'. 12.24.2022
Another beautiful day in the Chugach. 12.24.2022