Quick report
Went for an early morning ski up Grizzly Gulch. Did not notice any red flags while traveling along the Patsey Marley ridgeline, though there were pockets of bulletproof wind slab. I expected that wind loading would have a detrimental effect on the north-facing slope I planned to ride. However, these pockets were confined only to the ridgeline/first 10 or so meters of my run, and I observed mostly excellent and surfy riding conditions on the way down. Boot high, medium density powder.
My one concern going into the weekend is the large, overhanging cornices breaking off during the warm days, and soft slab avalanches triggering on the shaded, loaded aspects.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Isolated pockets of bulletproof windslab along the Patsey Marley Ridgeline above Microwave. The pockets were confined to the very crest of the ridgeline; I didn't observe any on my ride down the northern aspect. The slabs did not sound hollow, but were coated with rime and made for slippery skinning. </p> <p>Large cornices overhanging the entire northern aspect below the Patsey Marley ridgeline. I suspect that with the warmer temps this weekend, these may become dangerous. </p>