Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 3322 m
- Slope Angle
- 32°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Had several propagating and rippling cracks in the new snow on N, NE, and NW aspects at and below treeline. The new snow sits on top of several layers of very poor structure facets.</p>
Photo notes:
Note the cracks and slab chunks in the ski track photo. At treeline, you can see how quickly the snow depth changes from almost bare talus, to deeper wind sculpted drifts at the trees. Facet layer cake with the new snow frosting slab on top. Depth of snow 90 cm at 10,900 ft, on an elevation and aspect similar to North and West Woods. Snow was generally supportable on skis, but boot penetration was knee deep and beyond off skis.
Get out there and ski while the snow is falling! Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!!
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The new snow now sits on top of a very poorly structured facet sandwich. The 4-7" layer of new medium density snow showed signs in some places of forming a semi-cohesive slab (see photos of cracking and slab in ski tracks). Increasing danger with any additional snow load or if winds increase dramatically on Monday as forecast. Did not observe any natural avalanches, but visibility was poor and they were likely out there in steeper terrain.</p>
Medium to high density powder on top ranging from 1-7" deep. It has definitely softened skiing conditions, especially in areas of firm wind-affected or sun crusted snow.