Quick report
Today, Cory, David, and I set out for Green Butte in search of new snow instabilities. For the most part, nothing alarming was found. Around 10-12 inches of new snow is sitting on top of a series of melt-freeze, decomposing, old snow interfaces. The most signifanct sign of developing instability was the moderate-strong northwest wind in upper elevation terrain. Blowing snow was observed across most exposed slopes and ridges.
The most obviously instability was moderate, consistent wind loading onto southerly aspects from the northwest wind. However, despite the observed wind loading, no wind loaded pockets could be found on any of the observed aspects. It was quite surprising, actually, to see how each aspect showed some form of scouring and loading in various aspects of the slope. Another red flag to consider was the quick loading of new snow overnight. We searched for any forms of cracking or collapsing of this new snow, but none could be found.Weather
- Air Temp
- 25
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Rain Elevation
- Below Town
- Recent Snowfall
- 30
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Upon arriving to Bunny Flat, around 10 to 12 inches of new snow blanketed the parking lot and bathrooms. Skies were completely obscured and snow continued to fall. By midday, snowfall slowed, before picking up as we left. Below treeline, the wind was calm and unnoticeable. Above treeline, that changed quickly, blowing moderate-strong out of the northwest. Visibility was generally very poor, creating tough travel conditions at higher elevations. Temperatures stayed cold with the help of the wind, but in areas where the wind could not be felt, ambient air temperatures began to feel warm (above freezing).
Snowpack
Orographics has played its hand, dropping snow levels considerably lower than forecasted, putting 6-10 inches of snow in town and 10-12 inches of snow at treeline. This snow sits on top of a series of crusts and melt-freeze old snow. At lower elevations, these lower layers of old snow did not experience a hard refreeze overnight. At high elevations, this old snow presents as a firm crust underneath the new snow.
Avalanche
No avalanches were observed.