Avalanche

Tallac

Avalanche.org observerCentral Sierra Nevada
View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4Observation photo 5Observation photo 6

Quick report

Ascended and descended via NE Gully (required following in old ski tracks on ascent to be reasonably efficient trail breaking). Snow conditions could be still quite cold and powdery (albeit a bit heavy at times) but completely depended on how well it was sheltered from the sun (via trees and especially the NE Ridge shading via low winter sun angle. Where the sun did hit, evidence of warm snow issues developing (small roller balls) at the outset of a lengthy warming/inversion trend. Speaking of warming issues, some tracks observed scarily close to the edge of the cornice overhanging Cross. NE face skied very well (non-stripped) despite recent strong easterly winds.

Avalanche

Per pic, there appears to be a decent sized crown beneath the cornice above the Cross Couloir location consistent with a wind loaded slab. That said, I could not conclusively make out any debris from above due to poor light and another post noted skiing the area without reference to anything.