Quick report
- Red Flags
- Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Many collapses were observed above 7500' on NW-N-NE slopes. Cracking from wind-drifted snow observed on eastern aspects. </p>
Today's travel was in Parley's Canyon along NW-N-NE facing slopes at lower and mid-elevations. Our goal was to determine the elevation at which the PWL is found in this zone. Pole probes along our route revealed the PWL above 7500 feet and we experienced several booming collapses on north-facing slopes above this elevation. Even though we did not see any recent avalanches, we found the PWL in this zone to be much more sensitive than the Cottonwoods, prompting us to turn back from our intended line.
Picture 1: Snow profile from the location we first noticed the PWL at 7500 feet (NE)
Picture 2: Snowpit photo from picture 1
Picture 3: Snow profile from 8150 feet (North)
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>We found very weak, faceted snow in the lower snowpack above 7500' on NW-N-NE facing slopes.</p>
The recent snow greatly improved riding conditions on lower and mid-elevation slopes.