Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Wind loading on many aspects, leading to small avalanches. These avalanches were mostly Size 1 3-8" deep and 30 feet wide and not limited to particular aspects or just off the ridgelines. Cracking primarily localized, but an intentional stomp in a sensitive spot could send the cracking further. Snow structure still an issue, especially because basal facets coud conceivably be activated by a wind slab that steps down. We didn't note any of today's slides running on the ground, however.</p>
Quick NW facing pit at 9500' had HS 97, ECTX. Extra hard pounding required to collapse column on 2mm facets near ground.
Ski plans for the next day or two will avoid routes that require entry into possibly wind-loaded starting zones. I'll also feel uncomfortable crossing "whales" above high consequence terrain. That said, soft snow remains easy enough to find lower/sheltered locations, and the blue skies and sunshine were fine fine fine.
5 second video of the wind funneling through cardiff pass: made for a scary pillow on exit.
Cornice kicked (with NO ONE below) results in small wind slab slide.
Skiers tracks taken out by minor sluffs on Holy Toledo
Snowpack
Soft snow still hiding out in the trees at mid elevations. Wind affected snow ranging from thin skins to 10+ cm slabs experienced elsewhere, with awkward transitions between!
Hard and hollow wind pillows kept us on guard. Many small wind-related avalanches noted (see Avalanche ob for subtle pictures).