Chief Joseph Pass

Enticed by the recent storm, we toured in the Chief Joseph Pass area. We observed 8-12” of new snow from the most recent storm at ~7200’. Moderate and gusty west winds were present with visible transport of snow on the ridge line. Temperatures remained below freezing. We observed cracking and collapsing on wind loaded slopes as well as in the skin track. Wind loading was present at the ridge line. The total snow pack is shallow and early season conditions still exist. Wind scoured areas on west facing slopes were thin with exposed trees and grass. Wind loading of the new snow was our primary concern and will persist as we get more snow and more wind with this storm system.

Quick report