Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Minimal/manageable Loose Dry was observed on any terrain ridden that was steeper than 35 degrees. A Natural Loose Dry Cycle was observed around 1245 hours (see avalanche report). Moderate to Strong Wind Blown and or Transport was observed from 1200 and on. Small isolated pockets of one finger Wind Slab were observed with some cracking noted. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above and this issue was obviously more of a likely problem in the Upper Elevation exposed terrain; and it's trend was increasing throughout the day. Combining this issue with the slick/firm bed surfaces out there. and last nights light density snow may allow for small Wind Slabs to entrain significant amounts of snow when descending confined terrain features like narrow steep chutes. </p> <p>In areas traveled at and above 9500 feet this issue was minimal, yet roller balls were observed on steep ESE, S and SE aspects even in these higher elevations. It was likely that any travel in the mid elevations saw this problem be more of an issue. And, in any areas where the solar was more of a presence, this issue most likely would have become active during the mid to late afternoon hours despite the cold temperatures. Fridays forecast for rising temperatures and sunny skies will likely increase the possibility of this problem. </p> <p> </p>
Lack of any significant overnight winds below the upper elevations ridgelines had the snow surface covered with an even blanket of undisturbed stellars in the morning hours. Yet, by 1200 the winds began to damage much of the snow in the all Upper Elevation exposed areas down to 9700. No solar damage was observed in the Upper Bowls as late as 1400 hours. Once below 9300 feet the intense April sun dampened the snow on all aspects. Fortunately the frigid overnight temperatures froze the pre-storm snow surface, so there was excellent supportable riding all the way down to 8700 feet.