Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
Powerful south and southeast winds have transported moderate to large amounts of snow near and above treeline. Active wind loading was observed on the southwest aspects of Casaval Ridge and Sargents Ridge, as well as over the moraine tops in the Old Ski Bowl. Given the strong wind speeds, ample dry snow available for transport, and exposed terrain, it's reasonable to assume that nearly all aspects have experienced some degree of wind loading or cross-loading. Drifts were most pronounced on south, west, and north aspects, failing several inches deep on the new/old snow interface. Minor cracking was observed along the leeward sides of moraines.
The top portion of the snowpack is currently soft, dry, and deep. Allowing for deeper penetration to suspect weak layers.
Coverage below treeline has improved for motorized recreation. However, vigilance is still needed.
Newly formed wind slabs are the primary concern. Minor cracking was observed along the downwind sides of rollovers, primarily on south, southwest, and west aspects.Weather
- Air Temp
- 17
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
Stormy weather. Strong to extreme south and southeast winds near and above treeline. Temperatures sat in the high teens. Reduced to obscure visibility.
Snowpack
Multiple interfaces were identified within the top three feet of the snowpack on a south aspect at 9,000 feet (see photos), including two new graupel layers. An ECT produced no propagation (ECTN) on the mid-pack graupel layer buried 18 inches deep, indicating that while this layer may be stubborn, it's not currently dominant. A compression test identified both graupel layers and the new/old snow interface as reactive.