Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The first day of clear weather finally granted us a clear view of the aftermath of the recent storm cycle. There was widespread avalanche activity evident, with many crowns appearing to have already blown in. Some had cleaner crown lines, indicating they may have broken later in the storm cycle or even this morning.</p> <p>Despite the known existence of poor snowpack structure, along with heavy snowfall and recent avalanches, our crossing of smaller steep slopes did not result in any cracking or collapsing.</p>
Some recent avalanches, more in-depth reports within the observations.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The persistent weak layer remains the primary concern. Elevated winds and new snow present their own challenges, adding to the existing issues with the weak snow at the base of our snowpack. The introduction of significant stressors, in the form of water weight and wind, has led to the burial of this weak layer at depths ranging from 2 to 6 feet.</p> <p>The potential danger arises if a slab of wind-drifted snow or new snow fails, with the potential to propagate deeply into the snowpack, resulting in a deadly avalanche. The persistent weak layer remains the primary concern for that reason, even if the number of avalanches failing into the faceted snow is not as evident.</p> <p>The challenge with persistent weak layers lies in their subtle presence within the snowpack, not always offering obvious clues. In the next day or two, less obvious signs of instability may emerge, but the risk of dangerous avalanche conditions will persist on this layer. Even as the danger decreases, I am personally going to avoid riding in avalanche terrain where I know that this persistent weak layer exists. </p> <p>Today, the signs of both current and past transport were obvious. Ridgelines displayed significant scouring, snow drifted visibly, and texture extended down to the trees. With sustained elevated winds, the wind slabs are expected to become more cohesive, enabling skiers or riders to venture further onto the slope before potential failure. Signs like cracking and collapsing may become less apparent over the next few days.</p>
Anywhere between 2-2.5' of new snow from this past storm cycle. Generally inverted, coming in warmer Saturday evening into Sunday. Obvious wind-texture on almost all aspects.
Wind texture visibile across drainage