Weather
- Air Temp
- 14
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- previous
- Recent Snowfall
- NO
The day started with scattered clouds and intermittent sun and quickly progressed to broken>overcast by 1300. Our "sweatshirt Fall" trend of warmer average November temperatures is over. Parking lot temperatures were just over 10* F at 10am.
Snowpack
Leaving the IM parking lot and heading west, we crossed a few open, running creeks. Snowpack down low was loose, sugary and faceted, averaging at one foot of coverage. Higher in Eldorado Bowl, we saw slightly better coverage (30-50cm), especially on leeward aspects. Snow surfaces were variable from soft, "square pow" (loose facets/recycled storm snow that has gotten soft and sugary following cold, clear nights) to wind crusts that were both supportive and breakable in isolated locations. Wind effected features are showing signs of faceting and are becoming less cohesive. Surface forms in calm areas were larger 2mm facets which could be a problem if they get significantly buried before the next wind event.
Skiing square pow was suprisingly good, despite early season shenanigans around shrubs and moving water. It was best in areas with uniform tundra and no boulders. Early season hazards of rocks, more rocks and mining debris like cables remain our chief concern.