Quick report
- Red Flags
- Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>I expected more sensitivity with the water weight. Some minor wind loading and associated localized (non shooting) cracking along the BCC/Millcreek ridge. Minor I know the underlying snowpack is weak in this area, I was there Sunday. I was expecting some collapsing but heard/felt none. I don't think the new snow overloaded the poor snowpack structure in this area today. In summary all red flags were minor today, kind of the size you would put on a cupcake, not a flag pole. </p>
Went to Soldier Fork twice this week. Confirmed that it is a difficult place to ski until we get another big cycle to clean things out.
Hard trail breaking today.
Bret's forecast was dead-on this morning. I thought the point about assuming considerable until you prove otherwise was good.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Along exposed ridges, I assume that they may be more substantial in the alpine.</p> <p>Moderate danger</p> <p>Wet avalanches will be an issue if the sun comes out and the temperature forecast is correct.</p> <p>Low today, Moderate tomorrow.</p>
Generally 14" settled above 9000' slightly less lower. Slight inversion, hard trail breaking and yes bottom feeding in places.
Sunny aspects damp below 8000' some roller balls, will be a crust in the am.
No detailed pit today, spent the time on 15 or so Upper and mid pack ECT's all over the place. All easy to isolate and ECTN. Some rough breaks in the middle of the storm snow at the top of the inversion, no shears at all. Storm snow is bonded well in this area.