Quick report
- Aspect
- Northeast
- Red Flags
- Collapsing
- Elevation
- 2560 m
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Zack experienced some localized deep but not propagating audible collapsing x 2 around 8300'; uncertain if it was a thick wind slab collapsing or down into the deeper faceted snow. Possibly one 20' crack elicited below the headwall on a northeast facing slope but only noticed it on descent. The other red flags of recent avalanche, heavy snowfall wind loading, etc felt more 'yesterday' than today.</p>
We noted one "fresh" natural avalanche from likely Sunday in steep wind drifted terrain lee to the Cutler Ridge proper. Zack's post of this avalanche is HERE>
Other avalanches were noted off the Ben Lomond headwall that appeared to be size 2 or less but they had been significantly blown in. Visibility was poor, however.
In general, basal facets and crusts exist on shady slopes above about 8000' and are generally buried 3' deep or more. The facets were 4F and damp down low and 4F up high and not that weak overall. The slab above is exceptionally dense and it would seem difficult to trigger an avalanche in most locations without a large trigger. Warmth and settlement in the high density snow has rapidly improved stability in the new snow and wind drifted snow.
Would have called it the low end of Considerable today based on our outing.
Snowpack
Coastal! Punchy and isothermal to about 7000', becoming more supportable to 8000' and then completely supportable above heavy dense snow and rime crust.
Low elevations held 40cm depth; mid-elevations held 110cm depth; upper elevations held 140cm. Decent coverage for access and exits but the damp isothermal low elevations will be terrifying to exit once they lock up with clear and cold.