Schoolbus

Early season conditions continue with a slight improvement due to the recent accumulation of 10-15 cm of snow in the pass.  This softer snow is improving riding conditions in areas with supportable snow, but is also hiding many rock hazards lurking just below the snow surface. The best chances for riding without hitting rocks will be in smoother terrain that has a supportable wind slab under the new snow.   Rock skis/board recommended.

No avalanche activity, signs of instability, or significant pit test results were observed.  

A light dusting of fresh snow on 12/17 coated previously wind-affected surfaces through Thompson Pass. Although surface conditions have improved, we still have an early-season snowpack with many exposed or hidden hazards. Snow depth at road level to 3500 feet is still only 18 inches to 2 feet deep. Poorer structure with weak faceted snow in lower elevations can lead to travelers punching through to the ground, especially in rocky areas.  Deeper, more supportive snow with a better structure can be found on smooth slopes above 3500 feet in some places. Areas with old windslabs are the most likely to provide a supportable surface.  A pit at 4000' showed decent structure with an old foot-thick windslab overlying a variety of old snow layers averaging 1 finger hardness. Most of these burried layers exhibited early stages of faceting, but remained fairly cohesive. No significant weak layers were observed, and stability tests produced no results.