Hourglass

Cracking was widespread in specific areas (near the ridgeline where wind was causing snow transportation to occur - above ~3,500'). Where the wind had not impacted the snow we did not observe cracking or any red flags. Save for below 2,500' where there were many signs of rapid warming including widespread rollerballs. There was not enough new snow at low elevations for us to be too concerned about increased avalanche hazard due to wet activity. The new snow overnight varied from <1" of wet in the parking lot (1,600') to >6" of dense and dry above 3,000'. It felt like we were in the PNW! It was actively snowing during the whole tour with the snow up high falling heavy at times. Down low the temperatures were above freezing and the snow was wet and slowly accumulating. As described in detail in the avalanche summary we triggered a slide in hourglass. Here are my takeaways from this slide: 1) The conditions near the Mount Mansfield ridge line are often dramatically different from those in the parking lot. This was particularly apparent today, but sometimes is not as clear but just as significant. 2) Always be on alert when the wind is not out of the prevailing direction (west or NW). We had a south wind today which caused hourglass to load in a non-standard way with significant crossloading. This loading pattern is not unheard of so we were still expecting it, but it's always a good reminder for me to take extra precautions when the wind is unusual. 3) A well placed slope cut or stomp on a cornice may be all it takes to manage a hazard. POV videos online show people straight lining into zones and I am often tempted to try to replicate this cuz it's damn fun! However, taking the time to check for and manage a hazard is always worth it. The slide we triggered today was larger than I would have predicted and I don't think it would have been a fun one to try to outrun.

Hourglass

Quick report

Avalanche