Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Considering the the depth hoar and sun crusts, and other varieties of crappy layers this huge amount of snow is sitting on as well as the wind loading at higher elevations be wary of anything outside of the standard North Woods run in the La Sals. We currently have all the ingredients for large and fatal avalanches. Some collapsing noted, snow was so light you could stir it with your pole, and it would still be moving after you removed it. In the woods ski with a buddy and stay close to each other as falling and becoming trapped in the snow and or fallen trees or branches is a real possibility. It's almost too deep, speed and oddly caution are your friends.</p>
More is coming, and it seems to be tapering off at the moment with just trace accumulation for today. Winter is back with gusto here in the La Sal Mountains. Reign it in for the time being, it will be good for awhile and with some settlement more options will present themselves to the observant skier or snowboarder.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Lots of it. Super deep in protected areas, and I can't even imagine the slab formation happening.</p> <p>Southern Aspects were on the verge of corn. Now they are frozen with a ton of snow on them....a great bed surface, be aware and conservative, give places like Gold Miners some time. Runs like these steepen towards the bottom, so watch out.</p>
12-14 inches in open areas, however in protected N. facing terrain the snow was easily double, a solid two feet, almost to much to ski. Face shots and technique were the winning combo for solid turns!