Early season look around the Arctic Valley backcountry. Only about 30cm of snow remaining on the ground from last week’s precip. Temps were inverted and it was 40* at the car on my exit. All south and west facing snow had supportable refrozen crust that was easy skiing. North aspects of Gordon Lyon and the Nike Couloirs had soft snow that is quickly rotting to facets. Upper half was good skiing over blue berries but hit no rocks (they’re there though). The upper Nike is filling in and had a touchy 5-8cm wind slab in the middle. The rollover at the top was wind board and consolidated. Overall, the coverage is more than usual and the snow seems willing to stick around.

Looking up SoFo Eagle River from Gordon Lyon:

Looking west towards the Nike missile site from Gordon Lyon:

Looking down one of the Nike couloirs: