Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
Today's objective was to get above treeline and assess for wind slab development on northerly aspects. What I found was an isolated pocket of drifted snow on a northwest aspect beneath a ridgeline. The drift was nearly a foot thick and displayed a natural crack as I arrived. Stomping on the drift caused more cracking. While this drift seemed small and nonthreatening, large and sharp boulders sat directly beneath it. This was the only location where I observed this problem.
Cracking was observed in the drifted snow on a northwest aspect of a ridgeline.Weather
- Air Temp
- 29
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- light
- Rain Elevation
- 5,600
- Recent Snowfall
- 3
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Mixed precipitation occurred throughout the day, with mainly snow falling above treeline. Winds blew out of the south at strong to moderate to speeds with below freezing temperatures. Near treeline and below, winds were calm with light gusts and near to above freezing temperatures.
Snowpack
Five to ten inches of wet, creamy snow was observed below and near treeline. Above treeline, snow depths and surfaces became more variable. Roughly 12 inches (30cm) was observed, with soft, firm, and crusty surfaces. Northerly aspects below treeline held the most consistent coverage and best quality snow.