Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The wind at ~9,500' was consistent and seemed to be 10 to 15 MPH. The existing wind slab was cracking as our party skinned on it, though propagation didn't seem to occur more than 2' to 3' away. Though the skiing was bomber, there was localized collapsing under our skis.. Evidence of the poor snow-pack structure we've seen year to date. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>It's clear that the wind slab is the consistent problem along the ridge-lines in the area. This new low density snow will easily be transported; even if the wind speeds aren't drastic. I Highly recommend paying particularly close attention to any signs suggesting winds have affected the snow.</p> <p>The persistent slab that has plagued the season thus far was apparent through multiple CTs our party conducted yesterday. Though we didn't conduct a CT today, I can only assume the layer will continue to be an issue into the near future. </p>
There top was a very loose dry snow which made for SLOW skiing in low angle terrain. In higher elevations ~9,500' the wind slab seemed about 3" thick and was cracking when skinning. LOTS OF SPARSE TERRAIN, BE CAREFUL especially on any south facing aspects.