As a part of the evaluation of the stability of cut slope of 55% grade, during the construction of Trans-Alaska pipeline, it was realized that the estimation of the strength characteristics of the glaciated till forming the slopes is vital to the analysis and the design of these slopes. Accordingly undisturbed samples were hand carved from block samples and were tested fro shear strength. An usually high effective angles of friction, 45° - 48° (Singh, 1976) were obtained. However, these high values of friction were found to be inconsistent with the maximum angle which the cut slopes can withstand. The paper presents the results of tests and analysis and explains the unusual behavior and bring into focus the special considerations required in extending methodology of temperate regions to slopes of cold regions
