Detailed Observation

Date2019-12-08
LocationEastern Alaska Range
ObserverDavid Hickle
AvalancheN

General Observations

Our group of two skinned/booted most of the way up Canwell Peak today and skied the north face.  At lower elevations, there is a significant melt/freeze crust on the surface, up higher (~ 3200', N aspect), this transitioned to a melt/freeze crust with significant wind effects.  We dug a pit around 4000' on the north face and found approx. 200cm of snow with a 1" wind slab on top followed by ~ 100cm of 1-finger snow (no weak layers noted).  The top 1" failed at CT-4, followed by an ECT-X (even after pounding on the shovel).  

 – Wind slabs were on most NW ridgelines

 – 1-1.5' of high-quality powder on most NE ridgelines

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Weather Observations

Observed Avalanche Activity