Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Active windloading, cracking and collapsing on steeper, isolated slopes, and poor snowpack structure make patience the name of the game.</p>
It was interesting to move from sheltered trees with soft surface snow to the burned out areas with wind slab development. Those trees no longer provide as much protection as they once did.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>I'll be interested to see what happens over the next few weeks as we beginning adding more load to our snowpack.</p>
The snow surface conditions were variable. In protected areas the light fluffy stuff was abound and in some of the unsheltered areas, wind slabs began forming. Sastrugi, smooth, and lightly textured surface conditions were seen as well. We attempted to make our way up the classic roadside test slope and only made it part of the way. Though, we did observe some collapsing and propogation around our skis. Ski pole tests along the way indicated either powder overlying faceted snow, or 2-3" wind slabs over powder and facets down lower. We did observe quite a number of settlement cones in certain areas. As we skied, it was difficult to stay on top of the snow without the slope angle and speed to keep you on top. Making turns was a bit of a workout today and stumps, trees, and rocks were still lurking everywhere. Use caution.