Exceeded Expectations

We are still in assessment mode, gathering information on the snowpack across the locations where our field team operates. After the storm we headed to Koko Claims to check on conditions and were pleasantly surprised to find the snowline held lower than expected. We observed clear evidence of a widespread natural avalanche cycle within the past 24 hours. One path even crossed the access trail, likely during a period of intense loading as new snow combined with rising freezing levels. At the Mear Lake meadow (2020 m) the snow height was 105 cm, and the riding was excellent. We noticed some wind loading at alpine elevations due to moderate westerly winds. In our snow profile we identified a layer of large, sugary facets over the November crust that will remain on our radar to see whether it develops into a persistent weak layer in the days and weeks ahead. It was a great day to gather information and enjoy some meadow bashing, while giving the alpine a miss as the storm snow settled. We will be back.