Manteau neigeux

Elephants Back

Travis FeistCentral Sierra Nevada
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Quick report

In the morning, we were greeted by firm snow indicating a good overnight refreeze. Even under tree cover, the snow was supportable to foot travel. Our descent of an east aspect was well timed for corn at 1030am. No signs of wet instabilities were observed until we found punchy snow and collapsing snow near creeks at lower elevations. Many cornices in the area were large and overhanging. Several had also been reduced in size by east winds. We observed an odd crack beginning to form just downslope from a common location for a cornice. I'm unsure if this was due to recent strong and shifting winds, or if it's an early glide crack not completely formed yet.

Weather

Cloud Cover
few
Snow Avail For Transport
none

Light east wind shifting to west mid-morning

Snowpack

Firm surfaces indicating good overnight refreeze