Ptarmigan Obs - Rainbow Summit

<p>Snowshoe AST1 Obs for the Rainbow Summit area. South side of highway at 550m above Ptarmigan Lk. HS of 70 cm with 2 layers of surface hoar giving moderate results. Ground is not frozen with water moving below the surface in many places. Heavy rain, strong winds southerly winds, no avalanche observations. Lower elevation has shallow isothermal snow while near treeline the pack was stiffening up. A dusting of fresh snow above 800m but we didn't venture that far.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Snow Conditions

Crusty, Heavy, Wet.

Weather Conditions

Wet, Stormy, Warm.