Quick report
- Aspect
- Southwest
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking
- Elevation
- 3170 m
- Slope Angle
- 10°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>High PI rates during the early morning hours, Eagle Point reported some activity on steep road cuts. Wind loading and drifting during the day. Tracks were blowing in throughout the day in exposed areas. All cracking was limited to drifts and was very localized.</p>
snow profile location is just north of the area boundary below Mt. Holly In an area commonly skied by skiers returning to the resort, location was selected to assess commonly skied terrain. I chose an area that is surrounded by trees and should not be skier compacted.
No instabilities noted in the snow pit.
Quick pits were also dug on east and north aspects. Both of these aspects contained HS in the 90 to 100 cm range with basal facets and a moderately strong mid pack on the east and a weakening mid pack on the north aspects.
Overall the snow pack seems a bit thinner than the Wasatch and Pavants but similar in overall structure with the possible exception of basal facets and sun crusts on the south.
Thanks to the Eagle Point ski patrol for the hospitality and tour of the area!
As what seems typical for the Tushers many areas in the alpine were scoured to bare rock. On the other side of the equation, many areas also appeared to be drifted and loaded, classic alpine terrain!
Overall I would say a moderate danger in areas I skied today, that being said, I was not in any alpine terrain but would anticipate a considerable hazard in areas above tree line and an overall hazard of considerable due to the wind loading and transport.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Primary concern today was wind slabs in exposed areas. I did not get above tree line. Moderate hazard in areas traveled but I would expect considerable above tree line in exposed areas.</p> <p>Persistent slab is due to the basal facets on all aspects. Low probability.</p>
Generally 12" new with the last inch or so coming during the day. Some wind crusts and drifts in exposed areas. Minor sluffing on steep rollovers. Moderate bonding to the old snow surface which consisted of some facets and decomposed precipitation particles.