Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
- Collapsing
- isolated
25-35cm of new snow since yesterday. Significant wind loading in areas. Above 9500' snow was dense and wind pressed; although, no immediate signs of instability observed. Below 9500' less wind effect, but deeper snow. Few N D1 avalanches observed on E aspects 8500-9500. Winds were strong all day and a lot of snow was being transported. Guides experienced isolated cracking and collapsing on ridgetops around 9k. There were multiple natural D1 avalanches reported in the Rock Springs area into lower Green River / 4 Pines area. These natural avalanches were mostly confined to convex rolls and below cliffs. There was 1 significant skier triggered avalanche on SE facing terrain at 9500' (R4-D3). In <30* terrain there were no signs of instability.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 0
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- intense
- Recent Snowfall
- 25
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
Obscured skies and strong winds all day today, gusting in the 30-40s all day out of the W (WSW-W-WNW). A lot of snow being transported. Temps were cold, around 0 at the summit most of the day.
Snowpack
The snowpack is stressed adjusting to the significant new load. While there were limited avalanches reported in the backcountry, there was also little traffic and few areas visited. While most recently reported avalanches have been at mid elevation in E-NE areas where SH was likely the culprit, it seems as though we have reached the tipping point for avalanches to become much more widespread. As well, with the new snow measuring 3+ ft deep in many spots any triggered avalanche will likely be serious in nature. With avalanches as big as the Ships Prow incident it is worth considering not only where you choose to ski, but also what is above you when you stop.
Avalanche
- Size
- D3 R4
- Type
- SS
- Aspect
- SE
- Trigger
- AS
- Elevation
- 9500 ft
Party of 2. First skiers on this date. 2nd skier triggered the slide in the entrance chute and was caught and carried. Banged up and missing ski, but not buried. Large debris pile extended across the flats to the far tree line. The slide took out at least 1 small pine tree.