Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Rapid Warming
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Strong winds were key concern over the last 24 hours and there was plenty of new snow for transport. However, the winds backed off enough to where drifting became less of an issue. Warming temps and short lived greenhousing made snow surfaces damp on many aspects by mid day. </p>
Photo of West facing Miller Hill, scouring is evidenced by the shiny patches lower on the slope.
Looking up the MEG drainage. Notice cloud cover contributing to greenhousing.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Certainly a notable problem since Wednesday, but trending towards less of an issue with abating winds during the day today. However, the forecast is calling for another ramp up in wind speed tonight and suspect that those drifts/wind slabs will become reactive again soon with new load. </p> <p>Saw evidence of wet loose (roller balls) on West and South facing below 9800 feet. These were small and started around rock bands. Greenhousing was certainly happening in MEG, but the light wind seemed to keep the snow from going off totally. [<strong>Forecaster Comments</strong> - Thanks Sean. Really appreciate the obs from AF!]</p>
Snow surfaces and new snow depths varied significantly across both drainages of Mary Ellen Gulch and Lower Mineral Basin (5-30cm) West facing had seen its share of wind scouring right down to the old melt freeze. Lots of crossloading had taken place on Northerly facing slopes in exposed terrain. The Easts and Souths sported dense powder that was becoming damp by mid day. Best skiing was on solars before they warmed and the sheltered Northerly was smooth and sublime.