Sunny with high level clouds, temperatures in the teens to low twenties with calm winds.
Observation: Chugach State Park
Location: Glen Alps
Skinned out along ridgeline south east of Blueberry Knoll trail at 11:00 am. Descended three laps through alders between spruce stands to the Powerline Trail. Return to Glen Alps trailhead at 3:00 pm.
Weather
Snow surface
Extensive wind scour was observed on all aspects with wind slabs locally deposited on north and northwest aspects, particularly in sheltered areas near trees. Alders were well exposed in the areas we skied and appeared to also be significantly more exposed across the valley on O'Malley gully than before Thanksgiving rain/wind event.
Snowpack
Snowpack ranged from being scoured to rain crust just above the ground to ~10" of fist to 4 finger wind affected snow. 1-2" of soft snow was found at the surface in sheltered areas near spruce stands. Hand pit tests ranged from failing easily on decomposing facets (?) near the ground to breaking on a layer ~6" down. No formal snow tests were conducted. >1-2 mm faces were observed at the snow surface in sheltered areas just east of Blueberry Knoll.
View of O'Malley gully showing the wind scour on south faces
View of Blueberry Knoll
Hand pit showing planar shear on a ~6" deep layer, HS = 12"
Hand pit showing shear on 10-12" decomposing facets (?) at base of snow