Quick report
- Aspect
- East
- Red Flags
- Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 3170 m
- Slope Angle
- 31°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>We observed poor snowpack structure on an East facing slope around 10,400'.</p>
Test results were ECTN17 down 32cm on a layer of faceting rounds mid-pack. When you look at the profile, you will see a couple of weak layers mid-pack beneath the new snow. I'm interested to see how these two layers develop moving forward. Time will tell if they are going to be problematic. The basal facets remain our biggest concern. No results on this layer today at this location, but this is an obvious weak layer beneath a slab, and it cannot be overlooked.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The snowpack is becoming more stable after having some time to adjust to the major loading event from Tuesday/Wednesday. Obvious red flags are becoming less frequent. We did not experience any cracking or collapsing on our tour. We spoke with a party of four that skied Tele Gold, and they also reported no collapsing. I think what we observed today may give one a sense of stability. It might draw you into skiing bigger terrain and setting off a booby trap. We need to remember poor snowpack structure still exists, and shouldn't be trusted. We are moving towards a lower probability of triggering avalanches, but the consequences remain serious. </p>
Low angle polars offer nice turning right now. There is a few inches of soft, settled powder on a firm, supportable base.
Overall coverage is decent for late November, and the very dense storm snow is doing wonders to keep us on top of the early-season hazards.
We observed exposed slopes showing signs of being alternately scored and loaded by the wind.
Surface hoar was observed in specific locations, mostly lower elevation terrain, and low angle terrain (slopes with little to no real aspect)