Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The recent Bed Lomond headwall avalanche and its associated crown could still be seen, but has likely been drifted in since its occurrence on the 28th or 29th of Dec. See avalanche problems for more info.</p>
The riding and skiing was fantastic in low-angle terrain, you just gotta poke around!
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The PWL and it's inherently weak structure still exists in all the suspected aspects and elevations, yet the alarming tell-tale signs such as collapsing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches were not present today. The dragon still remains, yet immediate signs of instability are becoming increasingly less obvious. Eastern winds now have the opportunity to load high-elevation Western aspects, which could further stress locations above 8500ft where the PWL is present.</p> <p>Western aspects above 8500ft, specifically at and directly below ridgeline were experiencing snow transport throughout our time in the field. Elevations below ridgeline were rather sheltered, with no notable snow transport from the Eastern winds at elevations below 8500ft from 0700-1200. Eastern winds are unusual, and with its persistence into tomorrow afternoon, the distribution of wind-drifted snow could reach western aspects and semi-leeward, raised terrain features at mid-elevations.</p>
We traveled SE-E-NE-N slopes between 5600-8300ft. All snow surfaces had a degree of faceting that likely occurred overnight, with the largest Surface Hoar (SH) found above 8000ft at 2-6mm. Below 7500ft, 1-2" of recent snow sits atop of rain crust, with rain runnels still visually present - HS in low elevations hovered around 50-80cm. Above 8000ft in sheltered areas, there was 2-6" of recent new snow atop of a faceting out, 4F (four finger) crust - HS hovering around 100-140cm. Select northern slopes directly below the saddle of Cutler Ridge (where low level clouds/moisture lingered overnight) had a prominent rime crust resting on top of the recent new snow. With quick hasty pits and probing along Cutler Ridge, the PWL is generally buried 40-80cm down with the upper snowpack consisting of 4F (four finger) trending 1F+ (1 finger plus) towards the weak snow interface. The PWL consists of 2-4mm Facets at generally 4F (four finger) hardness. No collapses or shooting cracks were observed. Snow surfaces were supportable and easy to travel on.