Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 3414 m
- Slope Angle
- 27°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The weak snowpack has been documented thoroughly during this season of low snow conditions and overall dry weather, but it's generally faceted through to the ground. </p>
First snowpit in awhile with a relatively supportable mid-pack Likely wind slabs.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The primary concern today appeared to be mostly loose sluffs in new light, fluffy powder. There was evidence of wind drifting but not to the extent that I expected. Near treeline and below, it was all light, fluffy powder. Above treeline there were deeper areas of drifted snow, but they were still very soft and not very cohesive. We experienced no cracking. We did not get much above treeline, but looking around we could see fatter, pillowy looking areas up high. </p> <p>Although it didn't present as a problem today, there are numerous weak layers of faceted snow in the pack that will become problematic as soon as a real load is applied, likely by tomorrow. The weakest snow is currently a layer of near surface facets under the most recent snow and this will become a problem quickly. With a real load, say 2+ inches of water, avalanches breaking deeper, or to the ground will be likely. </p>
5'-7" of light, fluffy powder. Surprisingly un-wind affected given overnight speeds. Winds appeared to be confined to the highest elevations.