Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>One small pocket of Storm Slab (that had a contributing factor of Wind Loading) observed on a ENE steep convex terrain feature at 9800.</p> <p>In the very early morning hours there was a Reactive/Sensitive Storm Slab that was in a light density break directly above the bonding area of the new snow to the old snow surface. This layer settled out quickly by the mid morning hours. There was also a Sensitive Loose Dry break that was reactive on steep slopes throughout the morning hours and this was 3 to 4 inches down. This Likely settled out in the afternoon after departing at 1400. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above regarding Wind Slabs, and the Upper Elevation Winds are still in the Strong category at 1800 out of the NW. </p> <p>This was not a problem today, but will Very Likely be an issue to contend with on Wednesday. </p>
There was 6 inches at 0600 at most elevations with Moderate Snow Fall Rates throughout the mid morning hours. HST in the Snake Creek area was 8 inches, while the areas near Twin Lakes received at least 12 inches. The storm came in on a warm snowpack and there was good bonding to the old snow surface.
Wind Slabs of up to at least 3 feet were observed in the Snake Creek area and these slabs were soft and reactive in the early morning hours. In other areas the Winds had swept away all the new snow down to the old crusty snow surface.
By 1400, there appeared to be a slight greenhousing event that dampened the new snow on all low angle slopes and especially the E and S aspects. This issue appeared to be spotty with 8000 foot slopes in the Silverfork area escaping this damage.
Overall the riding was incredibly good with slopes 25 degrees or less offering a bottomless feeling. Steeper slopes were scratchy, but still good.