Quick report
Zone: Rattlesnake (behind Snowbowl)
Weather: The sky was overcast with flat light, resulting in poor visibility. Moderate wind gusts from the west were encountered while ascending the exposed ridgeline near Point 6 around 2:00 PM. Winds lightened after descending to the ESE ridgeline, and no snowfall or precipitation was observed before exiting at approximately 3:30 PM.
Snowpack: I descended from Point 6 and traveled along the ESE ridgeline, observing both north and south aspects. A widespread sun crust was present, with lingering wind drifts in pockets along the ridgeline. I conducted one snow pit test (ECT) on a north aspect.
Snow Pit
- Elevation: 7,709 ft
- Aspect: North
- Snow Depth: 140 cm
- Air Temp: 28.6°F
- Slope Angle: 23 degrees
- Results: No propagation observed. ECTN17 at 45 cm down.
- Notes: The snowpack in this location exhibited poor structure, with a slab over weak snow. The top 50 cm was consolidated, with faceted snow beneath it extending to the ground. This poor snowpack structure led me to refrain from committing to avalanche terrain. I returned to the top of Point 6 and skied down the south ridge to the Beacon Park.
Conclusion: The primary goal for the day was to practice and refine skills at the Beacon Park. With limited time afterward, I decided to head up the ridge for a quick look and to dig a pit for a snapshot of the snow conditions. I look forward to returning after the upcoming warm-up to gain a clearer picture and observe the position of the rain and snow line.
As the saying goes, "Don’t get married after the first date," and "Don’t bet your life on one pit!"