Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The only avalanche observed was a small (30 foot wide) Wind Slab that ran on an extremely steep North facing Convex Rollover off of the Pioneer Ridge Line. Besides that, there were 3 to 4 cm inconsequential Loose Dry stuffs observed in very steep terrain. </p> <p>Sustained Moderate Winds with Strong Gusts and at least Moderate Wind Blown was observed at all elevations with the Upper Elevations being more active.</p> <p>Beginning at 1400 hours and still at 1800 hours Precipitation Intensity and Rates have significantly increased and Snowfall has been exceeding S2 rates. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Stubborn Wind Slabs and Whales up to 60 cm deep were observed in the Upper Eleavtion Terrain. With the Winds forecast to continue with velocities capable of transporting signficant amounts of snow (along with any new loading from precip), this problem may Likely be more of an issue on Thursday. </p> <p>Sensitive Cornices have been developing on the Leaward Upper Elevation Ridge Lines. </p>
Overnight snow totals in the Brighton and Silverfork area were 8 inches, and the densities were surprisingly heavier than expected due to the cold temperatures that were occurring during the hours of precipitation, Winds and atmospheric condtions appeared to play a role in the "cake like" feeling of the new snow layers. Slopes 30 degrees and steeper were scatchy with the old snow surface being felt while turning. The old snow surface was rough and in many places resembled Coral Reef textures, and these were especially found in areas that were wind scoured. Almost all exposed Upper Elevation W through NW facing features had firm "Slide for Life" m/f Crusts. Bonding to this rough surface was good and the warm temperatures prior to the storm may have aided in this.