Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Rapid Warming, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Poor Snowpack Structure continues to be present in the upper pack as a result of the cold dry weather earlier in the the week. As noted by the other observers, Basal Facets in steep upper elevation Northerly terrain are still suspect. Rapid loading from both Wind and Heavy moisture laden Snowfall have created Soft Slab Avalanche activity, both Natural and Human Triggered. Cracking was Widespread along with the Avalanche Cycle that was observed in most areas within the Brighton Perimeter. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The Widespread Avalanche Cycle was mostly confined to the New Snow and the reactive layer was at the interface of the new snow that began around 0600 on Saturday morning. Heavy Precip has continued through 2200 hours, and up stream moisture appears to be in place for continued snowfall through the evening hours. </p> <p>On Saturday, the winds were very active out of the SW and W Loading leeward aspects and crossloading terrain features. It appears that these winds have died down slightly by 2200, and in areas where these winds remain more benign, these Slabs may still be sensitive yet more stubborn on Sunday. The overall trend may be decreasing Slightly on Sunday if these winds continue to decrease.</p> <p>The Third Avalanche Problem continues to be Persistent and Deep Slab, depending on the location and depth. With two Persistent Weak Layer Slabs Avalanches reported on Saturday, and considering the poor visibility, there may have been others. Basal Facets have been observed in many locations in the upper elevation northerly facing terrain that was housing early season remnants of snow. </p>
The Brighton Area received at least one foot of new snow from 0600 to 2100. Storm Totals from the past two days are now close to 20 inches with at least 2.5 inches of water. The snow in the Brighton area was dense and slab like with significant amounts of graupel. In Silverfork at 8000 feet Storm Totals are 13 inches with similar water; and the snow at 8000 feet was mostly Heavy and saturated.