Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Date:

December 22, 2022 - December 22, 2022

Submitted:

December 22, 2022

Observer:

Barbara Wanner | Key Observer

Zone or Region:

Lee Vining

Location:

Yost Meadow

Recent Avalanches?

None Observed

Cracking?

None Experienced

Collapsing?

None Experienced

Stability Rating:

Good

Confidence in Rating:

Moderate

Stability Trend:

Steady

Advanced Information

Cloud Cover:

Overcast

Temperature:

4°C

Wind:

Calm , SW

OVC- sky cover became lower and thicker until at 1500 the forecast L winds helped clear the cloud cover out. Intense UV radiation and warmth could be felt by us skiers and by the snow. Skiing the NW face of June to Yost Mdw around 1100 was fun and the NSF/ recycled pow felt light and dry. As the day went on, the cloud cover continued to trap the incoming UV radiation, creating a very noticeable green house effect. The snow in the top 10 cm became moist and sticky to the point where it really slowed us down when skiing and started glopping up on our skins on the way out. The sticky snow was especially noticeable in the trees.

At 1152, NW aspect 9420′ HS 110 cm Tair 4°C. OVC- winds light, SW, foot pen 20 cm, ski pen 5 cm. Recrystallized pow made for good skiing.

At 1256, NNE aspect, 9693′ HS 160 cm Tair 4°C. OVC- calm, foot pen 30 cm ski pen 5 cm. It felt very warm and the solar radiation felt intense. Sow in the top 10 cm is moist. Snow is starting to become sticky, especially in the trees. Still good skiing in open areas and NSF.

At 1400, NE aspect, 9820′. HS 110 cm Tair 3.5 °C OVC, winds L with slightly higher gusts from the N. Snow felt moist and sticky in any treed area. Solar radiation felt very intense.

1500 The low cloud cover started opening up to BKN.