Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
Toured lower Ball shoulder around 0930, with moderate ongoing precip of rimed stellars. Moderate winds from the West were causing some wind transport along the ridgeline. On the flat, new snow was ~4-5". In wind-favored areas off the shoulder of Ball Butte, it was 12"+. Snow density was generally low here. Multiple hasty pits on ENE aspect showed reactivity on a density inversion just above the rain crust. Decided not to venture higher due to low visibility, obvious wind loading, and some shooting cracks in wind transported snow on the shoulder. Estimated a high likelihood of at least small to medium windslabs. Relocated to Todd Ridge at ~1030. New snow was higher-density, 2-3", well-bonded to the underlying crust. By 1100 skies were clearing and solar effect increased, heating east aspects and making the snow heavy. No observed instabilities in this region. I expect the snow surface to be crusted or punchy tomorrow. West off the ridge did not have the same sun effect.
Avalanche
Observed a small wind slab released near the apex of Moon Mountain by a snowmobiler. About 20' wide, 1-2' deep, just below the cornicing on the ridge. This occurred this morning between 9:30 and 11am as it was not present when I first passed. Tracks in and out, minimal debris.