Snowpack

Observation: West Desolation Ridge

JBurkSalt Lake
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Quick report

Aspect
North
Red Flags
Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
2804 m
Slope Angle
28°
Red Flags Comment
<p>There were definite signs of wind loading in the area. Also a very weak base to the snowpack</p>

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>New snow that had accumulated on top of the rain/rime crust moved during stability tests but had not yet formed a cohesive slab in this location. With the forecast being what it is, this could be a problem later in our season</p> <p>There was a definite slab of about 90cm in depth that was hard to trigger. If you happen to find the sweet spot you could trigger a very large slab avalanche</p>

There was a good mixture of snow quality along the top of the ridge. As you drop into the north facing wind sheltered areas the snow was very consistent probably recrystallized snow