Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Minimal cracking and collapsing. We weren't traveling in wind loaded areas but with the amount of wind we've gotten with the storm cycle it was in the back of my mind. Snowpack structure was my biggest red flag today. </p>
Morning sky.
The wind has been having it's way with the new snow. Obvious signs are prevalent wherever you look.
Slide that released during the storm cycle. East facing around 9700 ft. Possibly a repeater.
There are several density changes within the new storm snow but the new snow was not very cohesive and not acting like a slab where the wind hadn't affected it. The biggest concerns still seem to be lurking deeper in the pack. Snowpit test were stubborn and I had no propagation in ECT's. CT's failed on deeper persistent weaknesses with medium to hard effort to fail. I've been finding preserved surface facets under the new storm snow in my travels this week. Steep slopes are still suspect in my opinion and I don't see it changing overnight. It's easy to get overly excited when conditions are so good but I'm still going to exercise my patience and ere to the side of caution.
Preserved surface facets.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>I feel like I'm beating a dead horse but the persistent weaknesses (plural) in the snowpack continue to be a big issue. That "solid feel" under skis and sled give you a false sense of security. Avalanches failing on these deeper layers will be serious. </p>
Soft wind skins up to 2" thick in wind affected areas.