Upper Bowl/Agassiz Ridge/Above Okja

New snow problem types such as storm slab and wind slab are the primary problem types today, with the wind slab hazard currently being a secondary possibility.  Southwest winds are forecasted to increase this afternoon, overnight and tomorrow, which will increase the wind slab hazard--possibly pushing conditions into considerable at higher elevations.  There is limited data beyond this point location, so anyone entering the backcountry is encouraged to be observant for signs of instability such as avalanches, cracking and whumphing; and practice conservative decision making by sticking to lower angle slopes.  Storm totals are nearly 2' on some portions of the peaks and any avalanches that occure on the new snow/old snow interface could be large (D2-D2+).

The Arizona Snowbowl has is reporting 25" of snow at 10,800' in the last 24 hours.  For the same time period, the Snowslide Canyon Snowtel is reporting 12" of snow.  Conditions in big bowl are measuring approximately 22" of snow.  In general, the storm snow has been deposited right side up, with the exception being the upper 5 cm, where denser snow of 1F hardness is resting above layers of Fist and 4F.  Specifically, snow densities in this location were 174-169 1F+, 169-167 F, 167-142 4F, and 142-132 1F, 132 K/Melt-freeze.  Stability test results were as follows: CT2-6 in upper layers of snowpack (@169 and 167) with resistant planner fracture character, CT10 Break @ 132, and ECTN2-6 in upper layers (169 and 167).  Overall there is moderate propogation propensity, medium strength and fair structure in this elevation of the snowpack.