Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

Skied below treeline in the Sherwins, between 8100′-9500′ on N and NE aspects with the goals of tracking incoming snow and wind, and identifying the PWL.
Increasing SW winds, starting Light and ramping up to Strong gusting Extreme, enough to blow some members of our group flat.
1200pm @ 9500′ on exposed ridge feature, new wind slabs 5-10cm in thickness were forming. No precip before 1100, then S-1 increasing to S3-5 snowfall rate by 2 pm. Surface forms 2mm graupel mixed with wind broken PPs.
Dug a profile put at 8350′, NNW aspect on 28 deg slope. HS >350cm. Faceted layer of concern found down 130cm. 1F hard FCs showing signs of rounding. CT25 RP down 35 on DFs,, DTN, ECTX, and PST 60/100 End on PWL.