Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
- Elevation
- 2469 m
- Slope Angle
- 25°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Did not find any old snow on northwest-northeast slopes between 8100-8700 ft. Dug a few quick pits. Signs of wind effect could be seen on the ridges and open areas. Soft slab in the new snow was unreactive. No avalanche activity was seen on the Ben Lomond-Willard headwall. 125cm HS. Cohesive layer from 20cm down to the ground. Surprisingly, no old snow present on the ground. Top 20cm consisted of new snow stellars and graupel. Quick HS measurements above 8100ft varied from 95-125cms depending on wind-affected areas. Did not travel to elevations where old snow most likely exists and avalanche danger could be much higher. For elevations less than 8,500ft avalanche danger is moderate. Would expect it to be higher at higher elevations.</p>
Graupel and stellars could be seen on skis while on the skin track. These were also seen in our pit in the top 20cms.
Forecaster Note: Thank you for the great observation!
Looking towards Ben Lomond from the trailhead. Notice broken sky and skies were clearing by sunset.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Roughly 8in of new snow sluffed with little energy on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. </p> <p>Windloaded slopes were unreactive. Boot penetration was hip-deep leaving plenty of snow available for transport if winds continue or increase. </p>