Detailed Observation

Date2019-11-03
LocationEastern Alaska Range
ObserverJames Smith
AvalancheN

General Observations

Skied up to the top of "Dood" Ridge (just north of Dude Lake on the west side of Phelan Creek). Down at creek level there was evidence of the warming from the previous week including a 2-3cm melt-freeze crust, percolation channels and runnels. As we climbed, the crust gradually disappeared and we found good semi-soft powder of variable depth (depending on exposure to the wind, 5-40cm, average 20cm). We skied (by which I mean we blindly fumbled down in flat light) a moderate line of about 36°.  We didn't do any in-depth snowpack assessments and noticed no signs of instability on the climb or descent. 

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Observed Avalanche Activity