Quick report
We toured up above Twin Lakes in north facing terrain below treeline to assess recent snow at lower elevations. We found around 12 inches of recent snow at Twin Lakes and up to 18'' at 8,500'. Yesterday's storm left the surface with a couple inches of low-density snow.
We received no direct feedback regarding instability, but digging revealed weak facets under recent snow. At 8,000ft on a N aspect we found weak facets below a melt-freeze crust down 65cm from surface. Extended column tests at this location did not produce propagation, but a PST did (PST 35/100 END, down 65 cm, just below 2/10 interface).
Cold temps kept snow snow surfaces dry during our tour except for flats under forest in Mono Village. No natural roller activity was observed on south facing terrain.
On the drive in we observed 2 recent natural D1-1.5 wind slab avalanches in steep NE facing terrain on Sawmill Ridge. No recent natural avalanches were observed from our view of Sawtooth Ridge or Crater Crest.
2 recent D1.5 wind slab avalanches were observed in open NE facing terrain on Sawmill Ridge.Weather
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 30 to 45 cm
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
Clear, cold, and calm. High clouds increasing in afternoon.
Snowpack
We received no direct feedback regarding instability, but digging revealed weak facets under recent snow. At 8,000ft on a N aspect we found weak facets below a melt-freeze crust down 65cm from surface. Extended column tests at this location did not produce propagation, but a PST did (PST 35/100 END, down 65 cm, just below 2/10 interface).