Powder Bowl Ridgeline

Today, we headed out to observe a potential avalanche that failed naturally overnight near Powder Bowl. Unfortunately, we did not make it close enough due to weather and time constraints. On leeward test slopes, wind slabs showed less sensitivity than the day prior despite the ~ 10 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours. Results were still reactive but trending stubborn. The graupel layers buried within the Feb. 14 - 16 snow and at the interface with the old snow are still a concern moving forward and were documented in new areas, meaning they are widespread. If the feature from Bunny Flat is a crown line, it failed about 1 to 2 feet down probably on graupel and propagated a hundred or so feet wide. With strong winds and more snow in the forecast, these layers will continue to be stressed, especially in leeward terrain beneath prominent ridgelines. In sheltered areas, any storm slab instabilities appeared to have settled out well by the time we headed out into the field. 

An unconfirmed natural avalanche was noted in the Powder Bowl vicinity. In wind loaded terrain, snowpack cracking appears to have reduced in sensitivity since the day prior despite the new load. Results were still reactive trending stubborn.