Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>We saw and avoided large cornices near ridge-lines and observed old avalanche debris on north facing terrain at 9,600' (photo below). There was obvious texture from the wind within the upper elevation, but it did not offer any signs of instability while traveling through it. </p> <p>Today, the cold air temperatures kept the snow from turning damp-however if temperatures warm up then this could change quickly. We are quite lucky right now to have such cool temperatures keeping the snow surface soft. </p>
Snow surface was firm melt-freeze crust at low elevation north facing terrain. Above 8,800' north facing terrain was faceted graupel and wind board with areas of melt-freeze crust on any aspect that faced west or east. The sun warmed up the lower angle north facing slopes and smooth areas were still good skiing.
Photo of faceted graupel north-northwest facing aspect.