Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 2896 m
- Slope Angle
- 30°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Not much wind loading where we were traveling but signs of recent north winds were evident low off the high ridges cross loading slopes. Also came across signs of recent NE winds on and off through our travels. Cracking was minor and in the most recent snow. On and off collapsing throughout the day but most widespread skinning on a SW aspect. The snowpack structure hasn't changed and we're still dealing with a scary mid-pack persistent weakness. </p>
Shear plane of ECT
Cracking in the newest snow.
In the cloud ceiling. Rimed trees and rimed stellars.
Poor visibility in open terrain with the low cloud ceiling. With plenty of snow available for transport, new wind slabs will be something to watch for tomorrow if you're traveling in the wind zone. The persistent weakness that's most troublesome is the December dry spell interface which was about 100 cms down where we traveled. Although it failed and propagated with hard effort and is adjusting to its newest load, a slide failing here would be ugly if you were taking a ride. High consequence, moderate probability.
With only 3"-6" forecasted tonight I doubt this will change much as far as the persistent weakness is concerned but new wind slabs will be something to keep an eye out for with moderate to strong W to NW winds. Considerable danger in the wind zone, especially on S through SE aspects. Moderate danger elsewhere unless venturing into steep terrain which would considerable danger.
Snowpack
Soft, fast powder riding. Scoured wind board on exposed ridges. Light rime zipper crust on south facing terrain about 9500 ft.