Quick report
Date: January 25, 2026 Location/Zone: Nyack Ridge (approach via Garry Overlook), exited via Cascadilla Creek drainage Starting Elevation: ~3,600’ Observation Elevations: ~5,800’–6,700’ Terrain/Aspects: N / NE (primary obs + activity), SE (secondary test) Weather: Temps remained in the single digits all day. Light snowfall overnight (~0.5”). Winds were relatively calm earlier but increased noticeably around ~4:00 PM. Snowpack / Surface Conditions: Overall very crusty travel conditions. Observed a consistent ~3” thick crust over faceted snow (crust over facets) on N aspects between ~5,800’–6,700’. Snowpack Tests: • ECT (SE aspect @ 5,800’): ECTN (no propagation) • ECT (N aspect @ 6,700’): ECTP14 @ 3” (propagation on shallow layer / crust interface) Avalanche Activity Observed: • Dry loose slough (D1): observed on steep NE-facing terrain. Signs of Instability / Red Flags: No whumphing/collapsing reported and no slab avalanches observed. However, ECT propagation on N terrain suggests the shallow slab/crust interface can propagate in this elevation band. Increasing late-day winds may have contributed to localized wind loading near ridgelines and exposed features. Summary / Takeaway: Snowpack felt generally stable in terrain traveled, but test results showed aspect-dependent reactivity. A shallow reactive interface was identified on N-facing terrain at 6,700’ (ECTP14 @ 3”, crust/facet interface). Dry loose sloughing was observed on steep NE aspects. While snow conditions were not great, it was a very scenic day to be on the ridge.