Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
January 13, 2022Submitted:
January 13, 2022Observer:
Josh Feinberg | Key ObserverZone or Region:
Mammoth LakesLocation:
Punta Bardini - Surface snow softeningSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
Very GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
SteadyKey Points
- Afternoon tour up Punta Bardini (1-3pm)
- Relatively warm cloudy day with moderate SW winds at ridge top and low elevation exposed areas (parking).
- Surface snow was moistening up to ~9400′ on aspects with some northerly exposure, above that surface snow was cold on those aspects.
- Due East aspect at 9,400′: 2-3cm of melt-freeze ontop of cold snow.
- No stability concerns, all very supportable snow even at lower elevations, granted did not travel on slopes with southerly exposure.
- Very variable throughout from firm edge able windboard, to some breakable, to soft in the most sheltered areas at mid and upper elevations. Skied one of the Bardini Chutes out of curiosity, no surprises there … quite variable, mostly firm with pockets of surface facets, not too fun. Wouldn’t ski them again in these conditions!
