Quick report
- Aspect
- North
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches
- Elevation
- 2865 m
- Slope Angle
- 35°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>I spotted a couple of fresh debris piles along the upper Choke Cherry Ridge on a northwest facing slope. The starting zones were up in the white-out but these avalanches appeared to have released within the last 24 or 48 hours. The avalanches were small class 2s and looked like they were fresh drifts from the east wind that released naturally.</p>
This was my first time doing field work on the Manti Skyline this season. I agree with Craig's statement that the pack looks much better right now than it has over the last few years at this time. The deep basil facets are not very alarming in the deeper areas I looked at today. Most areas in the 9000' range are around 4 feet deep, give or take a bit. The mid pack is strong with boot penetration only through the newer powder. My boots did not punch through to old weak facets when I stepped off my machine. I did note my track dropping or 'trenching' through into some facets on a shallower west facing slope. Otherwise, the pack is very supportable and provides excellent snow machine travel. 'Boondocking' in the mid elevation terrain is excellent right now.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The recent wind loading onto the westerly facing slopes seems to be the biggest concern. These may have formed on faceted snow which could make them still sensitive on Sunday.</p>
Highest terrain (>9500') has seen significant wind damage from the recent east wind event. Wind crusts and large drifts noted. Low and mid elevations still hold nice powder.