Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Persistent S/SE winds continued to build pillows and cornices above treeline along Laurel Highway ridge (see photo #1 of blown snow at the top of Coyote Chute). Wind slabs were present along the ridgeline in lower meadows but were generally thin (<2") and nonreactive. </p>
Great day to get out above the inversion and see the snow! Generally good and supportive conditions but still just so thin. The grass under Goldminer's is still visible (and a little rime-y) and under-surface hazards are quite disruptive to a good turn. The wind was really kicking. The combination of wind and high-moisture/fast-settling took most of the volume out of this weekend's new snow, but it's better than nothing. Attached are a few pictures of Gold Basin.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Snow and rime transport will be ongoing. Wind-loading likely to develop on north faces. </p>
Yesterday's new snow quickly settled to a wet few inches on top of the Christmas crust.