Took the opportunity for an overflight of the CNF Wilderness Study Area (WSA) boundary on a beautiful cloudless
day.
Route: Girdwood -> Whittier -> South to Nellie Juan Lake -> Return to Girdwood.
The lack of snow across the zone is quite evident from the air. Crevasses are an obvious hazard in many
glaciated areas south of Whittier where a year ago these areas had the look of a smooth white canvas.
Noticed a few cornice failures but many more in-tact and quite ripe.
One debris pile observed in Bear Valley (lookers left of the Whittier tunnel heading east) that looked fresher
than anything else (see photo below). Slab appeared to have initiated below a serac, likely triggered by ice
fall.
Bard Peak, southwest face.
Begich Towers and common up-track to Whittier Glacier.
Ripe overhanging cornice.
Fresher avalanche debris in Bear Valley, likely triggered by ice fall from above.
Head of King's Bay, looking northeast.