CPG DISPATCH: Chugach receives long-awaited storm

On Tuesday, March 6th new snow finally made its presence again in the Chugach Mountains. The two-day storm deposited approximately two feet of blower light snow on top of an extremely hard, crusty layer from weeks of high pressure.

But there's no such thing as a free lunch, as this storm quickly changed the snow pack from predictable to sensitive and very unstable.

Alyeska Resort’s new owner, John Byrne III was still in town awaiting the forecasted bluebird skies to reap the benefits with Chugach Powder Guides in Girdwood, AK. I received a call from John on Thursday afternoon with more good news--we were on the roster.

We arrived at the hanger to epic flying conditions--clear skies, no wind, and 20+ inches of new snow! Our 2 groups were led by skilled guides Mike Overcast and Mike Davidson, with Glenn the pilot providing the lift.

As excited we all were about the new snow, we were lucky to have guides to keep everyone in check and to not let the excitement of a recent storm distort our reality--conditions were dicey. Every once in a while a loud “whomph” could be heard (the sign of layers settling) and would humble and remind the group to keep it mellow. Overcast and Davidson definitely skied the days potential and steered clear of avalanche danger.

After ten runs in the Glacier and Winner Creek areas, skies started to “milk” and wind picked up--a perfect time to call it a day and start the après!