Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The wind loading was very minor, but the 1"or so of new snow and some moderate wind created very shallow and manageable wind issues. Checked poor snow structure when I was able to get a column to propagate a crack in a snow pit. I don't think this is too much of an issue right now, but need to make a note any time you can get propagation with a snow pit test. Would imagine this should heal itself with time and mild weather. </p>
Although the trail head has melted out, the conditions are still decent with great coverage and grooming should continue for the time being.
1. Not much going on with the snow pack right now, as Craig mentioned, things are pretty well glued in place. Just some very minor wet roller balls on east and south facing slopes. 2. Weather today started out with some sunshine, but clouds moved in for the afternoon.
Something to make note of anytime you get a crack to propagate across a column of snow. This took several hard blows from the shoulder before it failed roughly 12 -16" down form the snow surface. The weak layer looked like some preserved low density snow and would imagine this should heal itself with continued warm weather and time.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The wind drifted problem was more active this morning with winds and the 1" new snow, but this likely has settled out and should only be an isolated issue tomorrow. </p> <p>No real wet activity today with clouds off and on and some wind to keep conditions from getting too warm. Would think tomorrow more wet issues with more sunshine.</p>
A slight refreeze last night and snow conditions quickly softened around mid-morning. Mostly supportable snow riding into the Whitney area and by noon soft punchy snow on the more sun exposed slopes. The 1" of new snow did little to change the hazard or snow conditions. However, I did get tripped up with a very shallow fresh wind slab along the higher ridge line. It was only a few inches deep, but the slick crust underneath caught me off guard.