Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking
- Elevation
- 2743 m
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Overall, the structure of the snowpack is very weak and comprised of old snow layers that have mostly gone rotten. The two pits below show this weak snow and lack any evidence of a slab. Although it doesn't present any in-your-face danger in its current state of affairs, the water and snow coming our way mid-week could very well increase the potential of avalanches and we will want to pay attention to that. </p> <p>I made note of the leeward sides of ridges and smaller nuanced terrain features that have been cross-loaded by strong S, SW, and W winds recently. We really were on the hunt for the hazard, and I would be pressed to find it in many places that are easily accessible across the range, right now. </p>
Looking at the average depth of the new snow across our travels, between 3-5". In some places, winds created soft drifts within this snow that were not sensitive to the additional weight of a rider and bonded well to the old snow surface.
Recent moderate and strong S, SW, and W winds created a few hard drifts up to 2' deep. Although very challenging to find, it was reactive to the additional weight of a rider and collapsed on the weak, old, October snow.
Soon we will gas up the motor pony, but until then...
Snowpack
We traveled between 8,500' and 10,000' around Wolf Creek Pass, focusing mainly on northern aspects, as they continue to hold most snow. 'Twas a powder day on the pass today. The late October, and early November storms paid dividends today and helped keep us off the ground, providing some of the better turning and riding conditions this season. Last night, 3-5" of medium-density snow fell on top of variable snow surfaces and bonded very well in most places.