Quick report
Snowpack ~250cm on the higher, somewhat wind-loaded locations we observed. Appeared stable, with no propagation in ECT; in CT, irregular shear (Q3). No cracking or signs of instabilties on the slightly sunwarmed southeast aspect we skied at ~1:00pm, although we stayed close to or in the trees, which were less crusty. No obvious signs of instability while touring in and skiing out; ECTN 3 @10cm down and ECTN 15 @23cm down.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 31
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Rain Elevation
- 5300
- Recent Snowfall
- 20
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Overcast and snowing lightly in the morning, generally calm, with breaks in the snow and clouds for some occasional sun in the afternoon.
Snowpack
New snow depth 15-30cm depending on wind-loading; new snow has generally bonded well with the melt-freeze crust that formed from the warm conditions on Thursday/Friday, although it did fracture on top of or just above the crust especially at the mid-elevations where it was more developed. Crust was variable across aspects, elevations, and tree cover. Did not find the buried surface hoar that we suspect could be out there in the more sheltered locations.
Avalanche
Older avalanche on the N-facing bowl of Steven's peak, one of the slopes facing due north. Occurred prior to yesterday's snow; debris still visible from west willow but size difficult to estimate. ~50 yard wide debris field. Small loose wet avalanche that occurred this morning on an east aspect; 20 yards wide, just a few inches deep, chunky and irregular.