Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

The wind from last week which blew for days on end has created firm conditions in the Virginia Lakes area. Today we went out for a tour to see if we could find any soft snow hiding in the most sheltered areas. We found a mix of wind board, packed powder, powder on top of wind board, chalk, and sastrugi. Minimal soft snow was found. The surface snow was smooth, firm, and edgeable in the terrain we rode. We did not notice much warming on solar aspects. Boot and ski penetration was minimal. Temperatures remained below freezing at the Virginia Lakes snowtel throughout the day. Ski crampons, boot crampons, ice axe, and whippet will be handy tools to carry while these conditions persist.

Signs of Unstable Snow