Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Rapid Warming
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Wind loading was apparent in all exposed areas. Cracking was limited to soft cracking, I did not observe any shooting cracks. Rapid warming was not observed but with the sun coming out, It is to be expected especially if the wind dies down. Main concern this morning was wind slabs, this may switch to heating as the sun was coming out mid morning.</p>
Observation from an early am trip. We started early left intentionally before any potential wet activity.
Hazard based on worst case with wind and heating from the high sun angle. Likely moderate in sheltered north aspects.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>In all exposed areas, including cross loading in some unexpected areas due to the easterly component in the wind today.</p> <p>Moderate in the terrain we travel but I would expect a higher hazard in the alpine.</p> <p>With the sunshine.</p> <p>Hazard will depend on how much cooling effect the wind has.</p>
HST seemed to settle out to 10" or so. Surface was a lot different than yesterday, even the sheltered areas were much denser than expected. Upper elevations were thick, drifted and slabby. Some minor cracking, soft no shooting cracks.
Snow is still well bonded to the underlaying frozen midpack. No breaks or shears in hand pits.