Valdez Ski Report January 19, 2015 1900AKT

Very good ski conditions abound.  Powder to 8″ dominates most aspects and elevations.  A bit of wind blew the light stuff off in exposed terrain leaving some hardnesses, but anywhere that’s protected should ski fine.  North face gulleys in the Odessey Arena should ski great when flat light in not a concern. Lower elevation routes around Port Valdez still in poor condition.

With that said I stayed in the sun in Moonlight Basin where I found the avalanche hazard low. Obviously there are some soft slabs in exposed terrain of various densities and depth at the surface over powder snow that should be approached with caution at angles over 32 degrees. Thompson Pass is a vast area right after storm, so it takes a day or two to get general ratings for stability and observe other testers.

Weather forecast looks favorable for Tuesday and especially Wednesday.  Cool and mostly clear with some light northerlies in gaps and along ridges.