Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Report from observer: I wanted to give you a little info on what I saw on a tour yesterday out of SF Bishop Creek. We expected very dense snow with perhaps a little lower density stuff on top based on how the storm came through the mammoth area. To our surprise, the snow down there was much colder, top to bottom. Right side up but probably feel at 10:1 snow/water ratio throughout the system. Cold front vs. moisture influx timing was probably different North to South in the range.

Think this could be relevant for forecasting and assessment after next storms come through. People will probably be expecting that solid wet block underneath, but further south this isn’t really the case. There is definitely a good set up for basal facet formation in the right spots down there.

Found about a foot at South Lake and between 2-4’ back near the crest and on Mt. Johnson. Some lingering wind slabs and windboard but nothing too funky at the surface. Spacial variability in the wind deposit/effect kept things in check, but we broke off a couple of small pockets jump turning in the upper section. Able to top out and ski the N. Couloir with a little techy maneuvering, skied pretty well overall. Crazy for October!

Signs of Unstable Snow