Quick report
- Aspect
- Northeast
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking
- Elevation
- 2225 m
- Slope Angle
- 30°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>We have throttled things way back, picking on some lower/mid elevation terrain in recent burn scar that has really been opened up, the only good thing about big fire. Also 8"-12" total new snow, not the staggering totals higher elevations and areas around us have accumulated</p>
Burn scar area in Payson Canyon just below Pete Winward area and above what has been known locally for years as the "Ski Hill" because back in the 40's a rope tow existed in the flatter area below. We would have never been able to ski this area before the fire, but it now sticks out in such contrast, and is just off the main canyon road.
I really don't expect you to post this ob, it is just an FYI, would not want to diminish how hazardous things are around us, I know a lot of burn scar areas are being skied on Loafer Mountain, and other areas in Payson canyon etc. Just an example of how to select your tour based on new snow amounts, elevation and all the other factors. Thanks so much for getting great information out there
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>not quite enough wind exposure or new snow accumulated, that is why we picked on this area on a high hazard day. </p> <p>all that being said, this pack is lower in elevation, exposed to higher temps and somewhat sheltered, the perfect terrain to get out on a day like today</p>
12" of right side up new snow sitting on 2"+ MF crust/ dirty/ smoky snow cooked down by last weeks high temps, tiny graupel layer right at interface, but really bonded well, small wind pillows at ridgelines that were sensitive, cracking, but no real hazard at this point