We Remembered the Sunscreen!

No complaints about a bluebird day with soft snow! Evidence of a small natural avalanche cycle from recent storm snow and wind loading was prevalent, particularly in alpine areas near ridgetop, around cliff bands, solar aspects, and convexities on open slopes near treeline. Debris from large avalanches from prior warming events were a good reminder to exercise extreme caution during periods of rapid change, as well as kiboshed our plans for couloir hunting due to severe chunder in runout zones across all aspects (especially N-NW). Low elevation travel was difficult due to surface conditions, open creeks, low HS, and alder. Near treeline hazards included open creeks, partially frozen lakes, sharks, old avalanche debris, open cavities in rocky areas, and one annoying skin clip that came off at a particularly inopportune moment.

Multiple types of avalanches were observed; several size 1-2 loose dry avalanches on all observable aspects (N-E-S) at elevations above 1500m, primarily releasing from cliff bands. Two size 1 loose dry were released on an isolated convex slope near treeline (~1870m, E aspect) by Sc. Several size 1 slab avalanches were observed in alpine near ridgetop and in wind-affected terrain, from 2000-2200m. Aspects E, SE, NE, N.

Widespread surface hoar at all elevations on all observable aspects (N-E-S). 8-10 mm sheltered areas below treeline, and 2-5mm near treeline. Solar and wind transport prevented growth at alpine elevations, except in isolated N facing pockets. Approx. 10 cm of dry snow on top of a hard crust became increasingly slab-like at higher elevations treeline and above. Under 1600m snow was non-cohesive and did not bond well to crust below. HS 85cm ~1850m. Wind affect at alpine elevations creating moderately stiff wind slabs, though no wind transport was observed at ridgetop during the course of the day.