Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
Wind was the big player today. Tomorrow, look out for wind slabs at all elevations, especially mid to upper elevations. Will the wind move enough snow to tip the balance on some slopes? Or just leave them teetering on the edge, just waiting for some kind of trigger?
Increasing danger on wind loaded slopes at all elevations.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Even though the winds have been having their way with the soft snow, the persistent weaknesses in the snowpack are still the scariest problem we're having to deal with. The snowpack structure is still suspect and the consequences of triggering a slide on these deep layers are catastrophic. Wind slabs and cornice fall can easily trigger or step down to these deep weaknesses if released as seen by recent activity.</p> <p>Lots of snow moving today but, generally, wind slabs were easily identified and avoided or easily ski cut. With continued winds, slabs should become larger and more connected. </p>
Extensive wind damage over the last 24 hours from the relentless south winds. Winds reaching all elevation, funneling through terrain features, cross loading slopes, and even moving snow upslope. Low elevation, solar aspects took on heat today and will probably be crusted over in the morning. Wind in the mid to upper elevations probably kept the snow surface cool enough not to get damp but that's a moot point considering the damage it created.