Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Recent natural avalanches were observed at upper elevations on slopes of about 40 degrees in steepness on NW-NE aspects. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>New wind slabs formed by the weekend wind/snow event are failing at the new snow / old snow interface. These will remain sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider for the next several days and they have the potential to step down into the deeper persistent slab though this hasn't been observed yet. The danger exists on upper elevation NE-NW aspects steeper than about 35 degrees, especially near ridge crests or beneath rock bands. </p> <p>Persistent slabs remain over top of weak faceted snow left over from October snows. So far, sufficient weight hasn't been added to trigger these buried slabs, but if a trigger came in the form of a skier or rider, the slide would be large and very dangerous. This danger exists on mid-upper elevation slopes steeper than 35 degrees with NW-E aspects.</p>
New snow depths varied after storm. 4" at GPTH, 6" in Gold Basin, and 8-10" at upper elevations. Light density snow. Excellent powder conditions below tree line, even in open areas. Wind affected snow above tree line with recent wind slabs along lee sides of ridges. West slopes mostly scoured but some cross loading on lee sides of terrain features.