Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Rapid Warming, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>During periods of high PI widespread significant Loose Dry avalanches were very easy to trigger even on slopes with angles < 35 degrees, and these were running far while entraining large amounts of snow. These stuffs were digging down 15 to 25 cm, and appeared to be running on a graupel layer. Only two small storm snow slab avalanches were observed, one in the Pioneer Bowl area, rider's left of the Main Chute and the other down lower. Both of these slides appeared to have a contributing factor of wind loading. From early on, this same graupel layer appeared to be responsible for other density breaks and small storm slabs of insignificant consequence. Reports from Cardiff appear to validate these findings and Storm Slab with a contributing factor of Wind Loading appears to be the culprit. </p> <p>HN24: 18 cm to start the day with at least 10 cm more during the day until 1500 upon exit. HST: 43 cm</p>
Todays hazard in the areas traveled appeared to be a relatively high consequence Moderate, as there were no significant naturals and or slab avalanches observed. With the potential for a significant and large Wet Loose Cycle on Monday, Considerable may be appropriate during times of intense solar and daytime heating.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Storm Slab with a contributing factor of Wind Loading as described above appeared to be the number one problem out there today, and this issue may continue to be lingering and suspect on upper elevation north through east aspects early on Monday. Yet, most likely they will settle out significantly in the next 24 hours. Any areas receiving velocities capable of transporting snow will remain suspect. </p> <p> </p> <p>Loose Dry Avalanches were extremely easy to trigger even on slopes with angles lower than normal, and there appeared to be a natural cycle during the high PI periods noted in the steep NW, N and NE facing terrain in the Brighton Perimeter. </p> <p>When exiting at 1500 there had not been enough radiation to precipatate a Wet Loose Cycle, yet it may have initiated later in the day. Regardless, the forecast for Monday indicates much more solar and this issue will be a factor with daytime heating and direct sunshine. </p> <p> </p> <p>Cornices continue to be an issue of concern, and this latest event appears to have increased their already large sizes, and added to their loads. The rapid warming and intensely high temperatures forecast for the next 72 hours may contribute to potential natural releases. </p>
Excellent powder riding up unitl 1130 on all aspects, and then the sun poked out for brief periods. With only periods of 5 to 10 minutes the E, SE and S got damp immediately. Initially the damage was limited as the clouds moved in and the snow returned, yet by 1300 all aspects except NNW, N and NNE got damp and subsequently crusted over. The top 10 cm were getting damp on the aforementioned three aspects. And, as per usual even the northerly aspects with slope angles < 25 degrees were damaged. Thin wind swept areas were observed in the alpine on the exposed ridgelines on SW, W and N.