Quick report
- Collapsing
- isolated
Our party traveled counter-clockwise around Table Mountain. Weather for the day was a mix of cold/clear/still, then dense low clouds, then direct sun. We observed 4”-6” of storm snow depending on location, resting above a ~2” crust. Ski quality was generally good, but most slopes we traveled on today had shallow sections with near-surface rocks or old, frozen wet-loose debris. Plenty of rime present on windward features and ridgelines, as well as small surface hoar crystals (~1cm) on most aspects & elevations we traveled. Wind effect from this last storm was evident heading up to Herman’s Saddle, with the saddle itself particularly firm. On the SW side of Table Mountain, some heavy stomping near a scoured, 35°, N-facing convexity resulted in a notable whoomph. This was a similar angle and aspect of the small D1 we observed. S-facing aspects picked up a lot of direct sun by 1pm and were starting to shed small rollerballs.
Avalanche
W/SW side of Table Mountain, steep convexity on a N aspect at ~5,100’. Occurred naturally, likely during or shortly after most recent storm. D1 in size – roughly 30’ wide, roughly 5” in depth – with a consequential runout peppered with rocks