Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Of note, Widespread Collapsing observed on 23 to 25 degree SE aspects from 9300 to 10300. The December facets were failing under a 1 to 1.5 cm m/f crust. 5 to 7 cm of new snow fell between 0800 and 1400. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The December facet layers, that were buried on 20231220 and 20231223, appear to be Widespread; and this Persistent Slab Problem may become more reactive over the next 24 hours. </p> <p>Due to the Strong to Extreme Winds, the Wind Slabs observed in the Alpine were mostly Stubborn. Yet, no steep slopes with angles greater than around 30 degrees were tested. With additional loading from new snow and the WNW forecast winds, this problem will likely escalate. </p> <p> </p> <p>If the forecast verifies on the high end, and SWE totals make to 2 inches we may see the Danger rise to High. </p>
Winds associated the latest event have not only created reactive Wind Slabs in steep terrain, but their turbulance also aided in riming the new snow and graupel. Depsite the denser, and sometimes upside-down nature of this storm, riding was very good except on the wind scoured ridgelines.