Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Skied the Lightning Bolt off White Fang today, and found incredible corn on SE aspects from 12,200’ all the way to the valley bottom at 8400’. Left the car at 5:30, with another very strong refreeze in place, and cool temperatures. There was a moderate breeze blowing down canyon until after sunrise, making things feel quite chilly. Travel was great and firm, requiring ski crampons to ascend the slopes accessing the hanging valley below White Fang. Started booting at 11,400’ at 10:40, and boot pen was only 5-10 cm. By this point, winds were non-existent, the sun was strong, and it felt quite hot. Topped out at 11:15, and boot pen was still reasonable. Dropped at 11:40, and I was just a touch late on the upper, more E facing section. The skiing was still excellent, but I was cutting off small loose wet panels, 5-10 feet wide, that would run 50-100 feet downhill. Not really significant, but I wouldn’t have wanted to be any later in such consequential terrain. Once the couloir turned more SE, it was absolutely perfect, smooth, and consistent. This continued all the way down the apron, and down the rolling terrain out of the hanging valley. East, southeast and south terrain was perfect, while the northerly facing side of the valley was still a bit firm when I exited just before noon. Travel was very quick all the way back to the car, as the snow had not become sticky on any aspect, even at 6900’, as of 1220.

There was evidence of old rockfall in the couloir, and many piles of old loose wet debris on numerous aspects, but absolutely no natural activity of either variety today. McGee Creek was almost entirely open below the summer trailhead, and has intermittent openings up to about 8300’. Overall, a wonderful day out.

Signs of Unstable Snow