Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 2438 m
Pic 1: Looking towards James Peak.
Pic 2: Looking towards Sharp Mountain
Pic 3: Snow profile at 7,900' due north
Pic 4: Theodolite location of pit profile
Pic 5: Nice to walk again.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>I would be very cautious in areas that are loaded by the wind. Out of the wind, the snowpack seemed okay with the recent new snow, and I would only expect avalanches on very steep, convex slopes or slopes loaded by wind. Otherwise, poor structure exist on shady slopes down to about 7,900'. </p> <p> </p>
Travel was easy, and skis would only penetrate 10" or less. Occasionally, you would sink to your thighs in deeper snow with a weak, faceted base. I was shocked at how just a day could weaken the snow surface. Loud powder (facets) and Surface Hoar littered the landscape.
Bad news: If we have a sustained period of high pressure, the surface snow will become the next likely weak layer. However, do not forget the fragile snow just above the ground. That will become a player once we see enough weight. In either case, we have the wrong setup for the season. We must be patient and practice safe travel once we receive more snow/water weight.