Quick report
- Red Flags
- Poor Snowpack Structure
Unfortunately, the La Sals are no stranger to drought. Despite the seemingly historic drought conditions of the larger ranges, several other years have actually had less, and quite a bit less equivalent than we currently have in the La Sals.
1) SWE at 9,500'
2) North face of Mellenthin- very little snow above treeline on this aspect.
3) Northeast face of Manns- interesting erosion and small crowns from last week's storm.
4) Mellenthin East face- open areas are wind scoured and shallow, but steep trees harbor poor structure have been protected from the North winds.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>We could feel weak snow underneath a soft slab in protected areas and in wind loaded terrain (North East) we found a P hard slab on top of F hard facets (near/above treeline). Broke about 4 or 5 miles of trail on polar aspects and did not experience any collapsing. </p> <p>It seems like the surface snow is starting to facet as well- some areas protected from the wind and the sun have a coarser texture and are likely faceting. </p> <p>Many areas in the alpine appear to have little snow and it seems that any avalanche would be stubborn to trigger. The most suspect slopes we observed were steep North aspects with tree cover-these areas seem to have enough of a slab and punchy, weak facets below. These areas would probably ski really well right now- however probably the most likely place to trigger an avalanche. </p>
Southerly aspects warming up to the point of some significant gloping. Skiing off the south face of Mann's was consistent and firm. East and West have the worst ski quality with breakable crust. Low angle northerlies skiing well despite lots of debris from wind event. Hs ranging from almost nothing on south to ~2' on average in sheltered terrain.
The conditions are pretty bad out there- but truth be told- there is plenty of interesting touring and fun snow to enjoy.
Remember- anyone can ski powder.