Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Widespread cornice development and wind-loading.</p>
The fresh wind drifts were unreactive to ski cuts and cornice drops, perhaps due to the warm temperatures. But with the structure of weaker snow underneath these denser wind slabs, it is possible to find a sensitive wind slab. Cornices are quite large and sensitive, with many breaking off naturally.
Photos are of winds at the upper elevations
Winds getting down into mid elevations.
Existing snow surface is not looking that weak due to winds and warm temperatures, so I am expecting the storm snow overnight and into Friday to bond well with the snow surface.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Wind deposits on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations. With increased wind, plenty of snow available for transport, and more snow on the way, this hazard will only increase. I was finding wind-affected snow down to ~9k, although with increasing winds I imagine wind deposits will work below that elevation.</p> <p>This may be isolated, but there have been a few avalanches this past week breaking down into old snow. Biggest concern is (1) repeater slopes and (2) steep rocky terrain.</p>
Low elevations and wind-protected solar aspects were damp when exiting mid-day.