Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>The only potential red flag in the areas traveled today (Twin Lakes Pass back around to Catherines and Lake Martha) appeared to be lingering wind slabs; and in the upper elevations terrain on very steep slopes these may have still been reactive. Yet, none were observed even in the upper reaches of Rocky Points or Sunset. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above</p> <p>Too much activity the past week breaking into old snow layers to consider this problem a non-issue. Steep Rocky terrain in the upper reaches of the mid elevations as well as the alpine are possible suspect locations for this lingering problem. And, it appears that most avalanches in the past week have had some sort of easterly aspect involved. This most likely is due to the prevailing westerly winds. Low Probability/High Consequence continues to be how to look at this issue. </p>
Early cloud cover appeared to keep the snow surface from warming significantly today. Snow surface conditions actually appear to be improving with NSF-ing and SH developing, and in essence breaking down old wind slabs and allowing the latest batch of wind transport to foster creamy turning conditions in more terrain than the past few days. Sheltered terrain is riding a bit faster in the recycled powder, and even in the upper elevations the wind board appears more friendly. Southerly facing slopes with angles >25 degrees continue to have m/f crusts that can be challenging.