Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
December 7, 2022 - December 7, 2022Submitted:
December 7, 2022Observer:
Ryan Huetter | Key ObserverZone or Region:
Mammoth LakesLocation:
Mammoth Mountain BackcountrySigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
LowStability Trend:
ImprovingKey Points
Enjoyed a day of lift-served backcountry skiing today, interested in targeting my observations to include ski quality on SE-S-W aspects that may not harbor the lurking persistent instabilities, and to dig in on terrain features on slopes that while generally W facing may have isolated panels of preserved facets.
- Skied W, SW and S aspects. Ski pen averaged around 5 cm near ridge lines at 11,000′, increasing to 10cm on the lower aprons, but even in the lower protected trees at 9,500′ was only 10-15cm. Boot pen was 60cm.
- Dug in on a NNW slope (on a predominantly W facing panel) at 9600′. HS 152. No basal facets found in this location, ECTX.
- Wind effect was minimal, despite expecting some evidence of wind transport from previous NE winds, did not observe it in lee or cross loaded features on solar aspects.