Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>Poor Snowpack structure was observed within the new snow. There was a slight density inversion 6 to 10 inches down. This was easily felt trailbreaking, though it wasn't difficult. The biggest part of this structure was how it allowed for widespread sluffing and easy to trigger soft slabs that were so soft they were vacillating between sluffing and airy storm slabs. Of Note: Any slopes with angles 40 degrees and > were self releasing in the new snow only. And, the winds appeared to pick up slightly around 1400 and they were helping initiate a widespread Loose Snow Avalanche Cycle. See avalanche observations for details. </p>
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>See above and avalanche observations. With the forecast for additional accumulations overnight and during the day tomorrow, these Storm Slabs may be reaching depths of at least 2 feet. Of Note: Slick crusts exist on many slopes on the lower half of the compass and this may allow increased and faster running new snow avalanches. </p> <p>Though the forecast for the winds are expected to remain mostly on the light side, the new snow is such light density that transport is very possible. The Loose Snow Avalanche Cycle reported in an other observation spoke to this potential. </p> <p>And, with the large slide reported from the Mary Chutes, Persistent Slab issues may be resurfacing with these new loads. Lingering facets that have been observed at the rain crust/melt freeze crust from the beginning of February have been observed by many others and their previously dormant state may shift to reactive in isolated areas. </p> <p>Danger rating today appeared to be Considerable. And, during the possible intense periods of precip that may be occurring during the day on Thursday it may spike to High.</p>
14 inches of right side up snow at the start of the day, and then it appeared to snow another 4 to 6 during the day. The riding was reported as "one of the best days of the year". Low angle riding was fast and silky and moderate to steep lines were light and face shots were happening.