2009/03/28 Micheal Creek enroute to Silvertip Peak

9 inches new snow fell last night on a hard windpack surface. The unconsolidated new snow has yet to bond. No new avalanche activity observed. Observations contributed by Peter Illig,  illig.ak@gmail.com

2009/02/08
Rainbow Ridge, E. AK Range
Prominent W facing Central Couloir                                          Starting elevation: 2600'   Highpoint: 6200'
Clear skies, variable winds 0-30, air temp ~5F

HS: 30-80cm   Surface: variable wind slab and lower density soft snow in sheltered areas. 

The wind slab was 15-30cm thick, moderately well bonded with underlying softer snow (decomposing crystals, some facets).  In some areas the windslab was interspersed with lower density layers.  A melt-freeze crust was present at 25-50 cm depth.  It's strength and thickness varied with location.  In some places it was 2cm thick and K+ hardness.  In most places it was 1-2cm thick and pole penetrable.  Faceted crystals were present beneath the crust.  All layers appeared to be relatively well bonded.

With the exception of the top 2-5 cm of wind crust, no failures were observed.  No recent natural activity was observed in the area.  Old avi debris from the mid-January melt cycle were present on the lower slopes at ~3000ft.

The ski conditions were good in the soft snow, and slightly less than desirable on the breakable wind crust more prevalent at lower elevations (below 4000ft).