Observation: No Name Bowl

Went to No Name Bowl today knowing that it had avalanched to the ground in mid November. The total snowpack in the starting zone is a little over 3 feet deep with facets mixed with lighter density snow capped off by a fairly stout wind slab about 3 to 4 inches thick then the last couple of storms snow on top. After a ski cut I slid into the bowl to check for a slab but there was not one. Sluffing was evident in the steep starting zone but they were running slow and not packing much of a punch. There was also a bit of cracking in the new snow but it seemed fairly localized and there was no cohesive slab. I don't think I'd trust this slope if we had a big windy storm with excessive water weight due to it poor snowpack structure but no slab and minimal load wasn't going to reactivate the layer at the bottom. The S facing stayed intact due to cold temperatures and low sun angle.

photos: sluffing in steep terrain, natural cornice drops in Scott's that did not produce avalanches and cracking in the new snow.

Moderate today, seems like it will bump up to considerable with the snow and wind forecasted for tomorrow

There seemed to be a storm total of 12 to 15 inches resting on a denser spongy base. The new snow was light density with minimal wind in the terrain covered.