Quick report
Todays objective was to assess the new snow, and look for any signs of instability. Eric, Cory, and I set our eyes on Green Butte Ridge, where we would observe conditions from treeline. The mountain has recieved a solid late-season refresh, with 10-12 inches of new snow at Bunny Flat, and closer to 14 inches at treeline. The moderate-strong northwest wind has made quick work to the exposed slopes and ridges, transporting much of the available new snow onto S-SE-E aspects. Though we didnt see any siginifcant cracking or collapsing, our low-elevation observations do not represent what is happening on the upper mountain. Tonight, and through the coming days, avalanche danger will surely be present and reactive. Careful snowpack assessment, and route choice we will be crucial for other backcountry travelers.
The most obvious sign of instability was the moderate-intense wind speeds, quickly transporting available snow onto S-SE-E aspects. No significant cracking or collapsing was observed, however, we were unable to assess upper elevation leeward aspects, which are the most suspect slopes in these conditions.Weather
- Air Temp
- 28
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Rain Elevation
- 3,000
- Recent Snowfall
- 25-35
- Snow Avail For Transport
- large amounts
This suprisingly cold storm brought strong southwest to northeast flow, pushing snow levels low, and snow accumulations that were above expectations. Skies remained obscured for the entirety of the day, with snowfall slowing into the afternoon. Wind blew moderate-strong out of the northwest, limiting visibility above treeline. Temperatures stayed relatively cold for this time of year.
Snowpack
At Bunny Flat, 10-12 inches of new snow has fallen. At treeline, there is a bit more, closer to 14 inches. All this new snow sits on top of variable melt-freeze old snow. At lower elevations, this old snow is soft. At higher elevations, the interface is cold and firm. The cohesion of the new snow to the old snow will likely determine how reactive this snow will be to trigger.
Avalanche
No avalanches were observed.