Quick report
We had just over 10 feet of snow (315cm) at 7351’ on a NW aspect. There was a lot of wind effected snow but we did not have any cracking or collapsing..Our extended column test showed a lack of failures propagating in the upper 3 feet. Layers within the upper 3 feet were not bonded well and were surprisingly strong in tests as well as test slopes throughout our travels. Large graupel was found at each failure layer. We sled cut many test slopes and aspects North including as well as side hilled above each others tracks on multiple aspects with no results. We were however felt vulnerable near upper exposed slopes that had obvious wind slabs and cornices. Temps were very springlike and especially at times out of the wind it felt very warm.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 30
- Cloud Cover
- few
Clear skies of Blue…Light to moderate North winds with a warm saturation on solar aspects leaving the upper 3” moist.
Avalanche
E, NE, N, NW aspects between 7200 &7900 Had A few shallow Natural D-1 wind slabs that were fresh, there were a few slabs about 2’ deep R1-D1.5 that were covered by wind blown snow. There was a very recent, Natural cornice failure that was large, D-2 on an East aspect at about 7800’.