Gray Butte

Today we set out to Gray Butte to assess how the snowpack is adjusting to the new load from yesterday's storm. On a northwest aspect, at 7,900 feet, new and wind transported snow measured in at just over a foot, with a thin one centimeter crust below the new snow. The top four inches have formed into a moist, medium density slab. The remaining snow to the aforementioned crust is drier, low-density snow down to the aforementioned crust. Stability tests at this location revealed high sensitivity, yet no crack propagation between the surface slab and the underlying softer snow. Of greater concern is the new/old snow interface, which proved to be moderately sensitive and displayed progressive crack propagation. In translation, we're not out of the woods yet. Though these data suggest a healing trend over yesterday's observations, the snowpack is still adjusting to the new load. A continuation of this trend will lead to a decrease in the avalanche danger.

Skiing conditions were difficult. Moist, heavy new snow up to 8,000 feet made for hard-earned turns. Below 7,000 feet, the crust beneath the new snow was more noticeable and substantially thicker. From here down, skiing was more of an act of survival than it was a grinning ear-to-ear type of recreation.