Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 28, 2023Submitted:
January 28, 2023Observer:
Steve Mace | ESAC ForecasterZone or Region:
Mammoth LakesLocation:
Sherwin Ridge - Variable surface conditions, Near surface facetingSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedKey Points
We went for a quick afternoon tour in the Sherwins with the hopes of finding surface facets and limited refrozen tracks.
- No signs of instability were noted today along our tour.
- heavy wind sculpting has taken place in exposed areas near treeline with some impressive sastrugi in highly exposed areas and large cornice growth along the ridge.
- On the whole surface conditions were variable, with wind board ranging from K hard, thick, and fully supportable in exposed areas to relatively thin and 1F hard in semi-exposed areas to soft surface facets in more protected treed slopes.
- Surface facets were approximately 1 – 1.5 mm in size and fairly well developed.
- In favorable areas, travel was largely efficient and pleasant though old tree bombs and refrozen tracks provided us with enough challenge to keep us on our toes.
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