Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Minimal cracking observed as the new snow was not illustrating signs of slabbing up in the limited areas traveled. Of note, density breaks in the new snow remained reactive throughout the day. In the early morning hours the most active density break was 14 cm down, and this density break continued to be able to be easily triggered with slope cuts throughout the day. As a result this shear was deeper as the snow depth increased. It appeared that this density break was a result of very light density snow that feel overnight and then became overloaded with the intense snowfall that came in from 0500 and on. Wind loading up to 9600 feet was not a big factor. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Storm Slab and Loose Dry Avalanche Problems were widespread throughout the terrain traveled. Slope cuts were very easy to initiate both of these issues. Slides were digging down 14 inches into the new snow by the end of the day. Forecast of continued snowfall most likely will keep this problem active with possibly an increasing trend. </p> <p>Despite no significant slab development in the areas traveled today, it appeared that this issue would have been much more of an issue at upper elevations. Continued snow and increasing winds will definitely exacerbate this problem overnight and through Monday. </p> <p>Persistent Slab issues and buried weak layers may come into play with the next round of water, wind and snow. And, if indeed the forecast comes in with high end amounts, the Danger may rise to High for a brief period as the winds and snow serve to escalate the hazard.</p>
Riding was a bit slow on the low and moderate angle slopes due to the depth of the new snow. Wind sculpting observed on the exposed ridgelines.