Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Poor snowpack structure appeared to be relegated to variable depths of wind deposits, and fresh wind loading that was observed throughout the day as previously cited above. Multiple recent avalanches appear to indicate there may still be potential for reactive wind slabs in very steep N and E facing very steep terrain. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above, and with the forecast for increasing SW winds for Tuesday, this issue may escalate over the next 48 hours, and especially by Wednesday when we appear to be receiving more dense snowfall. </p> <p>See photo of an example of a large overhanging cornice observed on the NE facing ridge of Caribou Canyon. And, as with the potential escalating for the Wind Slab Problem over the next 48 hours, it appears that Cornice issues may continue to help trigger more avalanches with the arrival of the next series of storms. </p> <p> </p> <p>Any of these above cited Problems continue to have the potential to trigger deep slides into old buried persistent faceted mid pack and basal layers. </p> <p> </p> <p>The winds today appeared to be escalating the Danger only in very isolated locations, and as a result, no natural activity seemed likely. For this reason, the Danger/Hazard appeared to be a high consequence Moderate. Over the next 48 hours, the forecast for increasing winds with abundant snow available for transport most likely will elevate the Danger and make it more widespread. By mid day on Tuesday if the forecast for the winds validates, the Danger may be Considerable with naturals possible. </p>
Early morning riding was slow and sticky on low angle slopes due to the frigid temperatures. As the day burned on the riding appeared to speed up, and on slopes with angles 30 degrees and greater the riding was excellent in areas without any signs of wind damage and or loading.