Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking, Rapid Warming
Temp was right at 32°F (0°C) at Spruces at 0700, OVC, S-1, winds non existent. By 0830 at 8300ft winds were moderate out of the NNE, snow trasnport was not observed due to poor visibility. Dug on a NE aspect at 9200ft. Wind loading was present in much of this area on similar aspects. HS-220. ECTN7 down 20cm within the new snow. Top 110-120cm of the snowpack where we dug was right side up, did not dig below 120cm. At 1100 as we ascended above 9500ft NE winds picked up significantly and was period of most intense wind, with consistent snow transport throughout. Skies began to break around 1200. Reactive wind slabs and rapid warming today. The combination of winds, warm temps and later in the morning/early afternoon sun, were continuing to do a number on the riding conditions while we were out. Made for some on your toes skiing, as the day wore on.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Wind slab formation observed on SW-S-E facing aspects above 9000ft. Triggered a few small pockets to pop out, picture below. Slabs were fairly reactive. While the winds were primarily out of N-NE, strong Northwesterly and periods of what felt like swirling winds were observed with the strongest gusts coming between 1100-1200. Winds were much stronger than our group expected. Judging by snow transport observed, wind loading could be present on all upper elevation aspects. </p> <p>Snow was damp to begin with and once the sun came out it got down right wet. Small roller balls observed on exit of Days between 1300-1350, got out before noticing any significant wet loose activity. With warm temps expected tomorrow this will be something to watch out for, especially if the sun decides to come out. </p>