Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>3 natural avalanches noted on north and northeast aspects. These were on leeward aspects and 15-45 cms thick. The largest ran 250' vertical. Two were class 1 (small slides); the third was a 1.5 with dense blocks of hard wind-drifted snow.</p>
Photo below is of a natural avalanche on a N facing slope, from significant wind loading from the SW. Great riding in wind sheltered areas. Outside of wind-affected terrain hazard is Low.
Summary of our field day, highlighting the wind affects at mid and upper elevations
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Significant wind loading from strong SW winds. Reactive as low as 7600' along the north side of the compass. Photos and videos of wind-loading on leeward (north/northeast) aspects from windward, south/southwest winds.</p> <p> </p>
HS ranging from 1.5 - 2.5 meters, likely approaching 3 meters in selected locations. Excellent coverage down to low-elevation trailheads. Widespread wind-affected snow above 7500', with wind-scouring on windward south/southwest aspects, and dense, hard wind drifts on leeward north/northeast aspects. Wind-sheltered terrain holding dense snow.
Rain crust from Feb 14 is 2-5 cms thick down low, and disappears at about 7600'.