Quick report
In Pole Ck, the snow surface softened and became moist-wet by early afternoon, especially in areas sheltered from the light breeze. January weak layers were buried deeply in the areas we traveled today, but we still suspect riding into bigger terrain where the snowpack may have been thinner. Glassing along HWY 75, many solar slopes have shed any recent snow with the last few days of warm temperatures and strong sun. The most activity was in the Sawtooths, where Sunday's storm totals were the greatest.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- previous
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Another clear, sunny day. SW winds were mostly calm with light gusts while riding in Pole Ck. While glassing, there were moments of spindrifting snow observed near the summit of Williams Pk.
Snowpack
Surfaces and Crusts: Surficial crusts broke down quickly today, and by 11 AM near 9000', the snow surface had become moist and trending towards wet on any steep slopes sheltered from the wind. Riding near 7700' on an east-facing slope, the surface had become wet, and any crusts below recent snow had begun to soften and break down. On the northern half of the compass, the snow surface remained dry and cold.
Weak Layers: Probing around at 9000' on northern aspects near a proment knob near the headwaters of Germania, HS ranged from 195-215 cm, with 01/31 ~120-135 cm below the surface. These weak layers are buried deeply and have compressed and stiffened (4F); the slab above is generally uniform and right side up (F-1F+).
Avalanche
Widespread wet loose from the last few days of warm sunny skies. Most of these slides were small (D1-D1.5)(See photos). Near the headwaters of Germania Ck, we observed a few old wind slabs that likely occurred following strong winds earlier this week (02/24).