Manto nivoso

Virginia Lakes

Samantha RubinEastside Region
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Quick report

Cracking
isolated

After skinning on, walking on, and riding on various aspects @ various elevations in the region, my biggest takeaway is that wind has hammered this region, and has caused a variable snowpack structure, and variable surface conditions. The most consistent things I noted were the noted layer of stellars, and a thin layer of facets. However, even this facet layer couldn't be found absolutely everywhere, as if winds prior to the storm have them pooled in areas. Hard to get a solid grasp on things with so much variability! Of note, only 2 avalanches were observed looking S towards Mt. Scowden, on NE facing terrain. They were hard to make out, and details are unknown. 

Small propagation in isolated areas E - N near shallow trigger points in areas above 10600' on a layer of stellars 0 - 30 cm down. Very isolated cracking underfoot regarding soft and hard wind slabs.

Weather

Air Temp
25/24/28
Cloud Cover
clear
Wind Loading
previous
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

Calm clear day. Infrequent light wind gusts in afternoon above 11000' from E - S. Temps well below freezing all day.

Snowpack

  • Wind has hammered this region. HS varied from 0 cm to 120 cm where I traveled.
  • Soft and hard wind slabs - size limited in width and depth. 
  • Varied structure and varied surfaces. Consistent weak layer of stellars 0 - 30 cm down observed on N - E terrain above 10600'. Propagation on this layer when undercut, or near shallow trigger point. Propagation limited to less than 30 cm in any direction.
  • Up to 4 cm dry facets on N - E aspects above 10000'.
  • S face @ 11300' had 3 cm thick suncrust.