Snowpack

Mushroom

VandenBos (off duty)Galena Summit & Eastern Mtns
View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2

Quick report

The wet, mooshy snow was the most obvious sign of instability I observed.

Weather

Estimated 5-10% cloud cover from mid level cumulus. Plenty of open sky for the snowpack to begin to freeze at sunset thanks to outgoing longwave radiation

Snowpack

The snowpack is effectively draining the water that is melting and has been generally holding up well to the extended period of warm temps. Snow surfaces were rapidly refreezing as soon as the sun left slopes. I skied SW into Horse at sunset and found surprisingly enjoyable, slightly sloppy surfy skiing with an easily breakable ice crust on top. I noticed on the uptrack that my boot was broken and I was unable to tighten the upper half, nor to lock into ski mode...but even with a full-floppy style the slushy skiing was fun. :)

I observed an interesting, small mudslide (photo in gallery below) near Galena Summit that was initiated by water pouring out of the base of the snowpack. The ephemeral creek that produced this slide was draining an estimated 20 GPM (gallons per minute).