Quick report
We took the sleds to the Skyland area for a look at the snowpack close to the Continental Divide.
- Good visibility provided a 360 degree view of the surrounding terrain and we were surprised that we did not see any wet avalanche activity.
- Any snow that was recently touched by the sun was today’s refrozen surface crust that extended up to 7150 feet. Crust depths decreased as we climbed in elevation from 4 inches to a 1 inch crust at the ridgeline.
- The cooler temperatures from overcast skies locked up the area, except for the true northern aspects that were sheltered and shaded, holding soft dry snow above 5800 feet. Soft snow at upper elevations was 6 inches above a crust.
- Instability observed today was limited to old rollerballs that remain frozen hazards.
- Recent northerly winds eroded and minimized cornices formed from prevailing SW winds. These Arctic winds also cross-loaded mid-elevation slopes.
- Watch those scratchers, the hardened roads of Skyland's bumps can be tough on a sled's parts.
Weather
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- zero
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
Overcast skies all day, but the visibility was excellent for viewing surrounding terrain. Winds were calm, expect a few moderate gusts of northerly winds.
Snowpack
Surface crusts had the Skyland area's snowpack (mostly) locked up.