Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

I toured around on a variety of aspects in the Mammoth Lakes Basin today, visiting elevations between 8600′ and 11000′, primarily sticking to 10000′-10500′. Winds were stronger than expected today and for the most part delayed any excessive softening of the surface before 1:00 p.m. on most aspects. Air temps were definitely warm though!

• S and SE aspects were warming and softening by 10:00 a.m. Snow is going fast on these aspects above tree-line. Sun cups are developing, but for the most part things are pretty smoothed out where not skied.
• Around Mammoth Pass some tree wells are showing exposed dirt/pumice beneath. At this elevation areas with thicker canopy were somewhat punchy by 10:30, whereas areas with an open view of the sky were still supportable, but softening quickly. Temps at Mammoth Pass were 52F at this time.
• North aspects were a mixed bag of conditions today on the Mammoth Crest. Some surfaces were supportable melt forms, while I also found soft winter snow that was getting moist. When I found these panels I tried hard to sideslip some point release slides loose but with no success. I did have some minor rollerballs and pinwheel action in Hollywood Chute around noon, but no wet-loose avalanching. This snow was mostly unpleasant and sticky. I concluded that I wouldn’t want to be in a terrain feature like this much later in the day thinking that things could be more ripe for sliding.
• East aspects were unpredictable shortly after noon today. Being less supportable this late in the day I was more careful about my terrain choices, but could not get anything to slide on test slopes.
• Descending via the approach to Red Cone is getting pretty rough with variable snow and more obstacles poking out. After a couple weeks of not traveling in the Lakes Basin I was surprised by the dry pavement patches on the roads/xc ski trails.