Quick report
We rode from Snug Harbor to V Max with the goal of assessing the snowpack in the northern portion of the Seward and Lost Lake forecast region. At the parking area, we observed approximately 4 inches of wet, heavy snow from overnight. Near V-Max, snow totals were similar, with some sheltered areas holding slightly more snow.
The trail leading into V-Max is in good shape, and coverage continues to improve. The recent wet snow is beginning to bend alders, opening up additional riding opportunities in the area. While coverage is still below typical mid-winter levels, conditions are improving daily and should continue to do so with additional snowfall expected this week.
In the V Max bowls we observed easterly winds in the 15–20 mph range, with blowing snow from approximately 2,400 ft up to the ridgelines. Although we did not record an exact temperature, snowfall remained wet at this elevation, suggesting temperatures hovering near the freezing mark.
We dug one snowpit on a northwesterly aspect at 2,400 ft and found a snowpack structure consistent with observations elsewhere in this forecast zone with our December facets 20–30 inches below the surface. While an Extended Column Test produced an ECTX result, indicating the weak layer is becoming more stubborn, a Propagation Saw Test yielded an unstable result (PST 50/100 End). Poor snowpack structure combined with this unstable result and active wind loading did not inspire confidence. As a result, we limited our riding to below treeline and avoided steep slopes with the potential to avalanche.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 10
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Light snowfall occurred during the morning but quickly tapered off. Temperatures remained warm, rising above freezing at the parking area by the afternoon. At 2,400 ft and higher, we observed moderate easterly winds actively transporting snow.
Snowpack
We dug a snowpit in the V Max Bowl on a northwest aspect at 2,400 ft and found a snowpack similar to what we have observed elsewhere in the forecast region. Snow depths varied, ranging from over 200 cm in protected areas to much shallower locations, including our pit site, which measured 125 cm.
We completed both an Extended Column Test and a Propagation Saw Test and observed mixed results. The Extended Column Test did not indicate instability (ECTX); however, the Propagation Saw Test produced an unstable result on the December facets, which were buried approximately 2 ft deep at this location (PST 50/100 End).
Avalanche
We observed two partially filled-in avalanche crowns during our ride. One crown was located in an alder patch near the trail into V Max (see photos), and another was observed around 3,000 ft in the V Max bowl. Both appeared to be older avalanches that likely occurred naturally within the past week to week and a half.