Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Heavy dense snow and strong winds have added a lot of weight in a fairly short time. I experienced many loud collapses as the weak snow near the ground cannot support the new snow. </p>
Much improved riding conditions with a solid 12-14", but quite drifted snow even riding the trails into Gold Hill.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Dense snow and strong winds have re-activated the weak snow structure, with loud collapses and stability tests showing a crack easily propagates across an isolated column of snow. </p> <p>I was not able to get into high terrain where the strong winds have surely created sensitive wind drifts. My ride into Gold Hill was a little "sporty"with drifted snow across the open areas.</p>
A nice storm for the north slope, with a solid 10-12" at the trail head and upwards of 14" around 9,500'. Fairly dense snow and strong winds made for some tough riding and trail breaking. The snow coverage is much improved, but still punchy and sugary around bushes.