Quick report
Today's tour was quite delightful and we observed a variety of snow conditions. Although the winds were gusting moderate to strong on the Govt Peak/Bald Mtn ridgeline at 4500 ft (see video), little snow exists to transport so it is unlikely that wind slab formation will become an issue. Travel was efficient due to supportable snow and no new snow for over a month. Finding steep lines without significant old debris was slightly challenging. Steep northerly aspects that had prior wind affect from the last wind event have slightly faceted surfaces with supportable skiing. Not the best, and definitely not the worst we have seen this time of year. Steep south aspects have a stout sun crust 5-10cm thick that broke with intensional force on our skin track but would likely be supportable on the descent. Low angle protected terrain continues to hold the best and most carvable snow.
No signs of instabilty were observed today.Weather
- Air Temp
- 24
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- light
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
A scattered ceiling turned into mostly clouds by the afternoon. What felt calm in the parking lot turned into easterly winds in the 20s, gusting 23-31mph by early afternoon at ridgeline . Temperatures were mild in the twenties today at 4500'.
Snowpack
Snow surfaces ranged from facets on firm old degrading wind slabs on leeward aspects to 5-10cm thick stout sun crusts on south aspects. Pole tests and hand shears revealed a right side up snowpack. Dry and wet loose sluffs were definitely not a problem or on the menu today due to cooler conditions, winds that kept snow surfaces cool, and incoming clouds.