Avalanche

Paradise Area:

Dallas GlassWest Slopes South
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Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4

Quick report

Spring in December! The sun and warm temperatures softened most southerly slopes no matter the slope angle. This allowed for travel conditions that greatly exceeded expectation. 

We didn't see any new avalanches today, but there were plenty of old ones to look at. 

No signs of instability were seen today.

Weather

Cloud Cover
scattered
Wind Loading
none
Snow Avail For Transport
none

A very nice spring day... wait it's December! It certainly felt like spring. Warm sunny weather with calm winds.

Snowpack

A strong crust formed overnight. The sun and warm temperatures managed to soften the surface on southerly aspects. Steep and rockier slopes saw more significant warming. 

Below the surface crust, dry snow still exist. The 12/9 interface is still discernable. The more wide spread and robust 12/6 crust is also very visible. 

At upper elevations, pockets of dry soft snow were found on more shaded slopes. Unfortunately recent winds had stripped snow down to a very icy surface on any exposed or windward area. 

Avalanche

Size
D2 R2
Type
WS
Count
3
Aspect
E
Trigger
N
Elevation
6700 ft

A widespread wet slab avalanche cycle likely occurred on 12/10. Crowns and debris from this cycle are still very prevalent in the terrain.