Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Rapid Warming, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The main Red Flag of the day appeared to be Wind Loading and this was widespread in the upper mid and highest elevations. Heavy Snowfall in the morning hours resulted in easy shears in the upper density breaks in the new snow, but later in the day these settled out quickly. Avalanches as reported by White and others appeared to be possible in many other locations, but none were observed in this area traveled. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Wind Slabs may be stubborn and more prevalent in mid slope areas, as well as cross loaded mid slope terrain features due to the high wind speeds observed. At 2000 hours the winds remain Strong and this Problem may remain active on Wednesday.</p> <p>The warm temperatures and Rain that is misting and falling at 2000 hours may help keep the Wet Loose issues active on Wednesday. Roller balls and point releases were observed in many locations by mid day. </p> <p>Cornice Fall issues appear to be very Likely over the next 48 hours at least. With mid spring like daytime highs in the forecast all normal spring problems will Likely remain active. </p> <p>Persistent Slab issues continue to be possible and Likely in isolated terrain areas outside the Cottonwoods at mid elevations due to buried Surface Hoar. Of note: the NSF's that were reactive two weeks ago in the same location in West Willow, NE facing, were non-reactive today and difficult to even identify with snow pit and hand shear tests. </p> <p>With the forecast winds and unseasonably warm temperatures Natural activity appears to remain possible. Danger for today appeared to be Considerable due to these concerns, and it appears Likely that it will remain Considerable on Wednesday. </p>
Dense, spring like powder that rode very well and fast on low angle terrain was found above 8500 feet. Below this the snow was damp by 0800 and got progressively wetter throughout the day. Wind scour was observed on the exposed W through S aspects in the upper elevations. The snow was not inverted in this location as reported by others.