Quick report
- Aspect
- East
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 3292 m
- Slope Angle
- 27°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>We did not observe any cracking or collapsing today, both in the trees and in open terrain. One sharp turn on a short pitch steeper than 30 degrees produced a short run loose sluff of new snow and facets on a firmer bed surface.</p>
Despite some recent dry and warm spells, there is still some great, safe skiing out there on a supportable base. Waaaay better than this time last year, lest we forget. Remember, skiing is better than not skiing! Happy New Year!
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Angular facets from 0.5-2 mm still lurk in the mid to lower snowpack, but overall these layers failed to produce any significant results in our CT and ECT. That said, there were isolated pockets of wind slab which I expect would have increased in frequency and density above the elevation we skied at today. In support of Dave Garcia's 12/31 observation, slopes NTL should be evaluated on an individual basis before skiing anything more than 30 degrees. The dragon is still sleeping but could be awakened by skiing the wrong combo of wind deposition, facets, and terrain.</p>
Fast, fun powder is still out there for those who seek it. Sheltered areas below treeline are the name of the game, and paying attention to recent winds help you find what you're looking for in 2025.