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Classic #Alaskan #winter days like today qualify #Anchorage as a world-class #SkiTown, especially given the reminder that when the #ChugachStatePark #snowpack comes in there are so many options within 30 minutes drive of the city. From world class big mountain steep #skiing to mindless 2500’ powder runs, the Western #Chugach has it all. This goes without mentioning that Anchorage has its own funky twist on cosmopolitan culture to boot. ~8” fresh #snow up #SoFo #EagleRiver, increasing a bit with elevation, since Sunday. The snow was deposited with generally light winds, and was relatively unconsolidated until this afternoon when the prevailing SE wind picked up. It was blowing just enough to partially fill in the skinner between laps and cause pluming off peaks and upper elevation ridges. There was also some evidence of E wind during the Wednesday storm. Additionally, buried wind slabs (from the uptick in winds Sunday night and Monday) could be found. All said, the Western Chugach snowpack is shaping up VERY nicely but deserves respect. It’s arguably more complex than other Southcentral #Alaska venues like Turnagain or Hatcher. Make sure you investigate thoroughly if you’re recreating in or around #avalanche terrain. Send us an observation, email, DM, or tag @anchorage_avalanche_center to let us know what you’re seeing out there. #ThinkGlobalSkiLocal and enjoy the new snow!

A post shared by Anchorage Avalanche Center (@anchorage_avalanche_center) on Dec 14, 2018 at 12:49am PST