Observation: Argenta

The main concern I saw today was the wet snow. It appears that many snow surfaces became very damp yesterday, and we saw obvious signs of melt-freeze occurring as well as previous roller balls and point releases. Today the remaining cold snow at upper elevations was becoming damp rapidly and beginning to rollerball and pinwheel even in the late morning hours. Where we traveled, we saw no signs of snow actively drifting. There were small cornices on the ridgeline, but we just gave them room as the concern would be breaking on to entrail a huge roller ball. With the cold front coming in tomorrow I believe that almost all aspects will be covered with a firm riding surface after today, some upper elevations were becoming damp by 11 AM. I fear that the riding conditions will become very firm overnight and not have the chance to become soft again tomorrow with the cooler temps, little sun, and limited snowfall. Some slide for life conditions may start to come into play. There may be some lingering soft snow in the upper most northerlies that stayed cold. The increasing winds may continue to form some shallow wind drifts in those areas.

The snow surface was frozen and slick until about 8500'. Above 8500' it was slightly more variable, the skin track improved a bit and it was easier to find areas of soft snow and more enjoyable skinning. The upper elevation ridgelines, and protected trees were holding cold soft snow this morning but becoming immediately damp from the sun around 10AM. To the point of heavy glopping on the skins, even above 9600'.