Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Date:

March 27, 2022

Submitted:

March 28, 2022

Observer:

Brooke Maushund | Pro Observer

Zone or Region:

Mammoth Lakes

Location:

Sherwins - Facets, ice, and low coverage

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

None Experienced

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Stability Rating:

Good

Confidence in Rating:

Moderate

Stability Trend:

Steady

Coverage is dwindling significantly even northerly aspects like Rock Chute
Surfaces are variable from unsupportable facets in the shade, to barely edge-able ice
The snow surfaces of today can be the sliding surfaces of tomorrow’s snow
Strong SW winds were present, however no snow was available for transport (will change in next 24hr)

Snow surface on the NE aspects varied from facts to slick ice. Here was the softer surfaces up higher

Coverage in Rock Chute was meager, ranging from hard and fast ice to rotten facets at the edges.

Snow is non-existent on S aspect of Sherwin ridge

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Partly Cloudy

Temperature:

6°C

Wind:

Moderate , SW

0729 / SW / 8937′ / Moderate SW wind / BKN / 1°C / no snow on SW aspect
0830 / ridgeline / 9922′ / Strong SW wind on ridgeline / SCT / 6.3°C
0917 / ridgeline / 10006′ / Strong SW wind on ridgeline / FEW / 7.1°C

Toured up from Tamarack Lodge and hiked up to the Sherwin ridgeline. Snow was almost non-existent at lower elevations (~8900′) getting up to the ridge, with moderate SW winds. The snow that was present was rotten facets, with boot penetration varying from 2cm to almost 45cm. Winds increased as we gained the ridge, and steadily increased to strong, still out of the SW, as we hiked across to the entrance to Rock Chute. The snow in Rock Chute was firm and icy in the throat of the chute, with coverage marginal and rocks exposed. From the center of the chute, snow became more rotten and faceted working your way towards the walls.

Skiing Mine Shaft back to the car, coverage was dwindling but we could gain the road again with only a brief 3min section of walking. The snow in Mine Shaft, which was in the sun when we dropped, was softer facets on top of ice. About 300′ down the run, the surface changed to very slick and barely edgeable ice. These surfaces are what will be buried by the incoming snow, and will be important to keep in mind.