Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking
Started out from the ski area boundary at 10am. Stayed in simple terrain for the most part, favoring the forest for better visibility. The ski quality improved throughout the day and the storm snow was generally well bonded to the old snow surface (a stout melt freeze crust). The major signs of instability were along ridgelines, where I did trigger a small wind slab (reported in separate observation).
The storm intensified by mid afternoon as I exited.
1. Hand pit at 9800' at 1030am
2. SE facing slope at 9800' sporting lean coverage. The avalanche was triggered just on the other side of this feature.
3. Uptrack in the woods would be partially refilled on each lap.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>This problem developed as the day went on and the storm totals increased. Specific to terrain features that promote drifting along ridgelines and convex roll overs in open terrain.</p>
Storm snow was slightly upside down, with denser snow on top of some snow from early in the storm. Graupel was mixed in and the snow was surfy and enjoyable.