Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Pit dug at 10,160', SE, 30 degrees, OVC, Calm Winds, Surface Snow: Rimed PP and Graupel, at 1200 hours: Purported Facet/Crust Layer observed at 65cm down: CTN x 2, .5mm Facets directly above Crust and showing advanced signs of rounding. (Ski Pen 12cm, Foot Pen: 50cm; entire Upper Snowpack down to the Crust Layer at 65cm down trended from Fist to 4 Finger Plus) Of Note: CTE BRK in density change 20cm down and this appeared to be the culprit weak layer in the below mentioned mid-afternoon Avalanche Cycle. </p> <p>During the High PI period in the mid afternoon, the combination of Wind Loading and New Snow saw a Touchy Soft Slab Avalanche Cycle that was easy to initiate. Shooting Cracks and Propagation were Widespread on all aspects and Steep Slopes in the Upper Elevations that were not being stripped by the Westerly Winds. Cross Loading and Top Loading were observed. </p> <p>Of Note: Much of the Mid Elevation Terrain appeared to escape the Wind Loading and Avalanche issues, and the only issues there were manageable Loose Dry. </p>
Considerable Danger only in the Wind Loaded Upper Elevation Terrain as described above. Moderate elsewhere.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Appears confined mostly to the Upper Elevations, and the 12 hour forecast appears to indicate this issue will continue and thus promote increasing danger as the Wind Slabs may increase and become more reactive.</p> <p>Widespread Natural and and easily triggered manageable Loose Dry</p> <p> </p> <p>Any periods of Solar on Thursday will Likely help initiate Loose Wet activity. </p>
Excellent moderately dense Powder riding on all aspects and elevations down to 8700. S1 sustained throughout the day with a 2 hour impulse mid afternoon that had S5. Daytime accumulations at altitude appeared to be at least 15cm and in places closer to 25cm.