Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Took advantage of the clear skies today and poked around different aspects in the Punta Bardini area. We skinned to the summit on our first lap, where we encountered strong (30-40 mph), sustained S winds about 200' below the summit (~9,900'). Small, isolated wind slabs were forming in this area, and we observed minor cracking and plating while skinning. We skied a steep SE chute that was largely protected from the wind. Probing revealed that the PWL was not present on this slope, and yesterday's sun crust was fully melted by the time we dropped. Surface conditions were fast and fun.

On our second lap, we skinned to ~100' below the top of the skier's right Bardini Chute (~9,600'), where we dug a hand shear pit (no surface slab present), probed (consistently found the PWL 160 cm down), and performed a ski cut. Uncertainty surrounding the degree of active wind loading at the top of chute encouraged us to skip the true top of the chute and instead enter from a more protected area further down the ridge. Surface snow in the chute was light and right side-up.

Signs of Unstable Snow