Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Travel was limited and in mid elevation protected terrain, and subsequently no wind slab development from the storm was observed. Recent avalanches in the past 5 days and the poor snowpack structure observed, continue to validate a low probability and for high consequence concerns. Snow pits identified similar structure as that found in the Silverfork incident. ECTN at 38 cm up in slightly rounded large grained facets. CTM scores validated this weakness and collapsing was identified in these tests. Pits were at 9100 feet on NNE and NE aspects with slope angles ranging from 25 to 35 degrees. Of minor concern was the fact that Tilt Tests continue to identify a reactive layer 40 cm down at the interface of the event that occurred on the 20th. The last two events have now settled out to this location in the snowpack. It is likely that small grained NSF's were preserved in this isolated and protected location. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above. Maintaining slope angles below 35 degrees in high consequence terrain appear to be the only solution at this point considering the current snowpack structure. </p> <p>Reports from other areas in the Brighton Perimeter on Saturday indicated that mid and upper elevation southerly facing terrain was not adversely effected by solar. Yet, on Sunday clear skies and above freezing temperatures forecast for 9000 feet may present wet loose snow avalanche problems on SE, S and SW aspects with slope angles > 25 degrees if they indeed see any significant solar and or ambient warming. </p> <p>Saturdays Danger appeared to Moderate with high consequence possibilities if the persistent slab issue comes into play, and the same appears likely for Sunday.</p>
New snow in past 24 hours appeared to be 3 inches with a storm total of 10 inches. Storm appeared to be right side up with very little indication of wind throughout the event. As a result, no reactive density breaks in new snow.