Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Thin rocky areas still have weak snow and in steep northerly facing terrain this is noticeable. Yet, the majority of the terrain in the upper Cottonwoods appears to be gaining a mid winter type snow pack with the structure improving each day. Wind loading continues to be an issue in the exposed upper elevation terrain with the potential for sensitive newly formed wind slabs an issue; and with the forecast for increasing winds over the next 48 hours this issue may be increasing. See photo of small Loose Dry Avalanche off the SE shoulder of Tuscarora. And, several natural similar sized Loose Dry Avalanches were observed in steep cliff like terrain. </p>
If the winds indeed increase as forecast the percip values exceed the current forecast the danger rating for Sunday may escalate to Considerable by late Sunday afternoon and into the evening hours with Natural avalanches possible.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above regarding the Wind Slab Problem.</p> <p>Storm Slabs and Loose Dry may become an issue over the next 36 hours with increasing winds and snow in the forecast. See above for recent Loose Dry. </p>
Another day of cold weather and lack of enough solar to prevent the southerly aspects from warming and getting a crust. Riding continues to be excellent in sheltered areas with bottomless turning. Wind damage appeared to be increasing at the upper elevations in exposed terrain.