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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 30, 2022 - March 30, 2022
Submitted:
March 30, 2022
Observer:
Jonathan Tuttle | Pro Observer
Zone or Region:
June Lake
Location:
The Negatives - Transitioning new snow, natural wet loose slides

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Key Points

Started my tour from the top of J7 and traversed down the ridge, toured up the hourglass to the top of the Negative Cirque. Descended both the north and east aspects of the Negatives Cirque. Then continued down the valley to the Fern/Yost Trailhead.

  • 3-5 cm breakable temperature crust with surface hoar on the ridge down from J7
  • My first several turns down the east facing chute produced many roller balls around 11 am.
  • North facing terrain above 9.5K feet had 10-15cm of unconsolidated cold dry snow that skied nicely
  • Snow below 9.5K ft was in a transitional stage on all aspects.
    • Travel in flat forested areas was challenging with very grabby snow in areas
    • I was able to trigger a small, loose wet slide on a ski cut on a steep east facing convexity around 9.3K ft at 11:15 am
  • Many natural point loose wet slides observed above treeline in all aspects except true north
  • Descending the last steep bench down to the fern/yost trailhead contains supportable snow with 1cm of wet snow on top
    • Skiing conditions were surprisingly enjoyable for the very low expectations I had
    • Approximately 1000 feet of hiking is required to reach trailhead parking area

Media

Surface hoar ontop of a 5cm breakable temperature crust along the ridge behind J7
Nasty skiing down the ridge from J7 with a breakable temperature crust
Coverage photo of the ridge from J7 to the hourglass
Coverage photo from the top of the negatives
Nice turns on North facing terrain in the negatives cirque
Ski cut triggered loose wet on E aspect 9300ft steep in the negatives cirque convexity
Ski cut triggered loose wet on E aspect 9300ft steep convexity in the negatives cirque
Negatives coverage photo
point release loose wet sluffs
Fun supportable adventure skiing down to the fern/yost trailhead

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
45
Wind:
Calm , N

Full sun in the morning, increasing high clouds and warming temperatures throughout the day. Light to calm north-east breeze. 

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Today Negatives Cirque
E 9300 		D1 WL I-New/Old Interface 2 AS-Skier
c-Intentional
Ski cut triggered loose wet on E aspect 9300ft steep in the negatives cirque convexity
2 Today Negatives Cirque
N 9800 		D1 WL I-New/Old Interface 3" N-Natural
Common site of several loose wet sluffs/rollar balls on just about all aspects
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