V-Max, Snug Harbor

Today was our first day checking out Snug Harbor. We have very little information on snowpack stability in this area. We did see debris from a large avalanche that had run to lower angle slopes in a location where most people ride. A group of snowmachiners also said they saw a natural avalanche release. Steep slopes where wind slabs were forming felt pretty touchy. Strong winds were continuing to load slopes while were were there. As winds are forecast to blow over the weekend and more snow is expected conditions will likely make it  easy for a person to trigger an avalanche. 

Snowpack averaged 5 to 8' deep above 2,300. Snow was thiner down low. Today is the first day forecasters have been able to look at the snowpack. The pit we dug did not have alarming results but that was on a small slope. Much more information needs to be gathered to get a better idea on how stable the snow is.