Observation: Wilson Glade

Quick report

Snowpack

Instability Comment

<p>Mostly well behaved snow surface with below forecasted snowfall totals. We experienced increasing sluffing of the new snow on steeper northerly aspects throughout the day. Most pronounced in sustained pitches Wilson Glade and Bonus Bowl with more graupel and damper storm snow, debris after three skiers was &gt; 60cm deep, could certainly pack a punch. </p> <p>Found the outlier today of a small old windslab (see avalanche page) in steep, NE, Wilson Chute which had been covered by new snow. Broke about 25cm (10") down (maybe on graupel from the previous storm cycle), just off the ridge. Surprised the third (last) skier in the party while traversing the ridge, and could have been bad since Wilson Chute falls into a different drainage than the intended run down Wilson Glade with the rest of the party. It may be low danger but its not time to turn off the avalanche brain or forget about safe travel techniques.</p> <p>Sun stayed mostly hidden all day but low elevation snow (~7,000 feet) came in quite wet on a pretty wet melt-freeze crust. Very small push-a-lanches and rollerballs noted in lower Millcreek. Would expect today's dry snow to get saturated in a hurry tomorrow when the strong March sun comes out. </p>