Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Rapid Warming, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Poor Snowpack Structure observed on steep shady shallow rocky aspects in the Upper Mary Chutes harboring advanced facets; and likely in these kinds of locations in other isolated areas. Previously reactive wind slabs from the weekend appeared to be bridged by the abundant wind and snow that fell since Saturday evening. In the areas traveled (and the surrounding observed slopes) there appeared to be minimal natural activity from the latest event. It appeared that the intense winds stiffened up the new snow and created stubborn wind slabs. </p> <p>Roller balls were observed on steep upper elevation slopes by 1100 hours, and by 1030 these steep SE and S aspects were getting damp, and there will be stout crusts on SE, S and SW aspects with slope angles >25 degrees. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Despite the fact that there was little to no natural activity observed, there was a 5 cm to 15 cm one finger to pencil hard wind slab presence in many locations on upper elevation slopes. Very steep slopes remain suspect. Slabs appeared stubborn and unreactive, yet there may be more sensitive isolated slabs on very steep slopes. </p> <p>See above for wet loose activity, and it may be warmer tomorrow. </p>
Riding conditions were stiff, thick, and wind packed in the upper elevations. In mid elevation protected areas the turning was a bit more friendly and creamy. Overall the supportability improved greatly from Monday. Wide skis and snowboards appeared to have a penetration ranging from 5 to 15 cm deep despite the fact that foot penetration was at least 60 cm.