Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Cracking and collapsing were experienced on the up and the down. Long running shooting cracks in the snow. Wind was transporting snow and creating moderately dense wind drifts.</p>
The snow was most sensitive in terrain that was more open and affected by the wind. We experienced collapsing and cracking when the slope angle approached 30 degrees. Shooting cracks that propagated for 30 feet or more were common. New snow was failing both above and below the newest rime crust on faceted snow. Snow was well behaved in sheltered terrain out of the wind. Lingering instabilities will be prolonged by forecast cold temps.
Shooting cracks in the new snow.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Snow was VERY sensitive where the wind was able to affect the new snow. Cold temps will prolong the amount of time the snowpack adjusts to the new load.</p>
In open terrain the wind was creating a more dense upper layer in the new snow, capping less dense storm snow. The wind was moving a fair amount of new snow and cross loading slopes. Winds were from the west. In sheltered terrain the snow made for fun sliding.