Quick report
Generally stable snowpack conditions observed with the best riding conditions found in terrain sheltered from wind and sun below 6,500' in elevation. Significant bush whacking involved below 5,500 required to navigate through the mountains. Considering how early it is we have a great base and coverage. While avalanche conditions are generally stable we have multiple surfaces that could bond poorly when our next storm arrives. These current surfaces will be worth paying attention to over the next week as new snow (or rain) comes into play.
Rollers observed on southerly aspects as sun warmed slopes in very steep and rocky terrain. Otherwise, stability tests and travel across multiple aspects and elevations exibited a very stable snowpack. All wind slabs observed in higher terrain were firm and stubborn and proved unlikely to cause avalanches.Weather
- Air Temp
- 39
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- light
- Rain Elevation
- NA
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Mostly clear skies and light winds out of the WSW at 5mph with gusts to 15. Obvious temperature inversion felt as one climbed out of the drainage bottom with significant warming above inversion layer.
Snowpack
Surface condtions at treeline and below consisted of 5-6 inches of loose faceted snow above the November 22nd rain crust and surface hoar was observed growing on all aspects below treeline in sheltered terrain that was protected from the wind and sun. Above treeline we observed firm surface conditions consisting of wind scoured rain and sun crusts on south and west aspects and firm wind packed surfaces on northeasterly facing slopes. Evidence of windslabs observed but all proved to be extremely stubborn and unlikely to cause avalanches. Snow stability test scores taken on easterly facing slopes were ECTX (no failure) and CT18/Q2 (Graupel layer 7 inches below surface).