Quick report
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading, Cracking
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Noticed a fair amount of propagation on most aspects with the new, heavier snow displaying some slab energy. Specifically one fractured near 15 ft horizontal to a cross-loaded cornice while breaking trail up Flagstaff; South-east facing. The propagation was enough to release the decent sized cornice with more snow than you would want to come down on you.</p>
Overall I found the snow to be better on the north side into Days for riding and also stability conditions. Anything with a slight west-facing aspect had been noticeably wind effected, with our run on oingo boingo (NW facing) being not nearly as creamy as first turns on two dogs (more NE facing)
The snowpack had some uniform slab characteristics today yet seemed to be missing a layer to collapse on.. at least where we were skiing but that is not to say that a collapsing layer couldn't be present and it would not surprise me to hear of slopes that have been getting less skier-compaction to have had some activity today (especially where wind effected)
Even through heavy trail-breaking such a stellar day.. what a beautiful place we call home
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Although the slightly denser snowfall had some uniform characteristics itself, the new snow seemed fairly well bonded to the existing snowpack.</p> <p>Large, distinct cornices up high; Winds from the north-west were not as blower today but could tell they had been stronger and prevalent during the storm. The deposited snow on the South, south-east side off of flagstaff shoulder seemed to show the most energy where fractures were most apparent. </p>
Very close to being 5-star day yet the snow was just thick enough from digging any trenches too deep. Definitely no complaints though, overall a fantastic day with some great turns