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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
April 17, 2023
Submitted:
April 17, 2023
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Pine Creek - Wheeler Crest

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Key Points

Out for a due diligence lap today in Pine Creek today. Got a late start to see if the forecasted improvement in stability would hold up in complex terrain with plenty of sun exposure. It did.

  • There is plenty of evidence of wet snow instability in Pine Creek from the past week. Most wet loose avalanches were size 1 and stopped mid-track.
  • Surface snow did thaw at all elevations today, but increasing clouds and wind kept wet snow instability at bay – no new avlanches were observed.
  • No results from ski tests on steep south facing slopes NTL.
  • Corn snow conditions are becoming more predictable and enjoable.
  • Timing was not a problem today. Good uphill and downhill travel conditions between 8 AM and 3 PM on E through S aspects between 6,800′ and 12,600′.

Media

Cold snow on N aspects above 10,500'. Above 12,000 E facing snow is still transitioning. Melt-freeze and developing corn snow up to 12,500' on SE.
Recent wet loose avalanche activity in the gut of Scheelite Canyon ~ 10,500'. Multiple D 1 -15. avalanches occurred in the area over the past week. 4/27/23
NTL, S, 40 deg. Supportable corn snow with 10cm boot and ski pen at 11:00 AM. WIth increasing clouds it was still holding up at 3 PM on the way down.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Temperature:
33F @ 12500', 2PM
Wind:
Strong , W

The day began with sunny skies and calm winds. Between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM clouds increased.  At ridglines winds were gusting up to 50 mph from the West.

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