Quick report
Today, Sam and I took an exploratory mission to Diller Canyon to assess snow conditions. It’s safe to say snow coverage near and below treeline is not suitable for backcountry recreation. While traveling, plenty of rocks, downed trees, and bushes were observed protruding out of the snowpack. Travel was difficult given the low amount of snow coverage. Higher in the Diller canyon, snow was observed becoming more consistent with better coverage in the drainage proper. The snow we experienced in the canyon was dirty and wind packed.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 39
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
The day was fair and pleasant, with above freezing temperatures, few clouds, and not a lick of wind.
Snowpack
Underneath the old snow from December 6th & 7th is a stout crust above faceted snow. (See photo) The faceting snow layer is about 5 inches thick and pencil hard. While not an issue currently, we will monitor these layers and interfaces as time progresses and more snow falls.
Snow depths range from 5 to 10 inches (25cm) near and below treeline. The best snow quality was observed on shady, protected, north-facing slopes.