Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Collapsing
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>This is a little after the fact as the top three red flags occurred during the storm event of the 10-11. Several avalanches, 2-3 feet deep, ran during the storm but at a distance, appeared to be confined to the new snow. Slides were on upper elevation N-NE aspects. Reports of collapsing were common the first two days after the storm. I didn't experience collapsing today but spoke with a party that had. Snowpack structure looked surprsingly good with early snows from late October only showing early stages of faceting. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Several days and warmer temperatures have allowed the new snow to stabilize and bond fairly well with the old snow surface. Compression results were CT 23, Q2 at one location, with failure at the old snow/new snow interface. But without multiple locations surveyed, and given the nature of a shallow, early season snowpack, caution and restraint are advised. Facets are developing at the ground from late Oct snows but still quite minimal. Surface hoar is abundant and will need to be looked at when new snow comes, as well as developing near surface facets. </p> <p>Stiff wind slabs at upper elevations exist. Most have gained strength but it still may be possible to trigger one along exposed ridge crests that face E-NE-NW.</p>
A little bit of everything going on. Storm snow settled to about 18". Excellent powder on most mid elevation slopes with sun crusts forming on due south through west. Wind drifts and scallops on exposed upper elevation, NW facing terrain with some wind crusts. An abundance of surface hoar in sheltered areas.
Snowpack is early season and shallow, but quite good for this time of year. 32" on the ground in Gold Basin and 22" at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.