Weather
- Air Temp
- 35
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- intense
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
A large overhead lenticular cloud, a solid indicator of strong to extreme NNW wind near and above treeline, obstructed mostly clear skies throughout the day.
Snowpack
Eric and I found a variety of snow surfaces today ranging from north facing crusts to creamy, moist snow below treeline. Some are more subjected to the impact of the wind and, in sheltered areas, are more affected by the influence of solar warming. Northwest, north, and northeast aspects are taking quite the beating from the wind. The wind speed is so great that much of the snow being stripped from windward aspects is sublimating up into the atmosphere. The snow that isn't sublimating and remains available for transport is accumulating on southeast, south and northeast aspects. We used wind loaded, leeward test slopes to sleuth out any wind slabs, yet did not experience any results or other signs of instability, such as shooting cracks, collapsing, or hollow drum-like sounds. On aspects receiving sun, we observed surface warming made apparent by roller balls. Though did not witness any wet loose avalanches today.