Quick report
Toured up to 10,696’ in Grand Teton National Park to get eyes on some upper elevation terrain. Most snow surfaces above 10,000’ have been worked over by recent winds. Evidence of wind scouring as well as top/cross loading was widespread. We observed pockets of 12-15” thick wind slabs that were hard (4F-1F) and unreactive to the weight of a skier and in test pits. No recent avalanches or other signs of instability were observed in upper elevation terrain. Visibility was good above 10,000’. Snow surfaces were generally soft and unaffected by the wind/sun below 9,500’.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 20
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 1"
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
The cloud ceiling was hanging out around 10,000’. Clear above that and cloudy below. Cool temperatures and light winds with the occasional moderate gust.
Snowpack
Pit Notes
Quick pit at 10,500’ - south facing and wind loaded spot
- HS = 180cm, ECTN 25 down 40cm (wind slab interface).
Moderate to hard hand shears (Q2) between 10,000’ and 10,600’