Observation: Chugach State Park

Location: South Fork of Eagle River

Date:

April 9, 2024 9:32

Observer:

M. Gianotti/ A. Shauer/ B. Meiklejohn Forecaster

Route & General Observations

We went to explore the South Fork of Eagle River to monitor general trends in the area and to get a higher elevation snow pit.

Weather & Snow Characteristics

Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.

Weather

Mostly clear skies with occasional clouds, ~40F for most of the tour, no wind, no precipitation

Snow surface

There was ~5" of new, soft, low-density snow with a thin surface hoar layer. On south-facing slopes, the snow was a bit heavier and we kicked off small roller balls on our descent.

Snowpack

The general snowpack structure at higher elevations is still looking "wintery" with multiple facet layers, wind layers, and developed depth hoar. We were able to get propagation on the basal facets (ECTP28). The likelihood of triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is low, but it is something we want to keep on everyone's radar because of the consequences.

Friendly reminder with the nice sunny weather to monitor surface conditions on southerly slopes.

Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly from day to day. There is a wind event in the forecast for Tuesday and again for Thursday with new snow available for transport.

Photos & Video

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