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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 16, 2022 - January 16, 2022
Submitted:
January 16, 2022
Observer:
Geoff Unger | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Red Cone Uptrack

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

No significant observations of unstable snow.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Key Points

Stability is very good right now.  The main hazard is the variable surface conditions from two weeks of dry conditions.  Winds after the storm textured and pressed almost all of the snow except in the most sheltered areas created the sliding platform we will be using for a while.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
4.0 C
Wind:
Calm

Mild day for a tour in the Lakes Basin.  It even felt warm for January.

Here is a weather observation from 11:00 AM at 9650 feet.

Location: Red Cone Shoulder  Aspect: N

HS: 198

HST: 0

Sky: SCT

Precip: NO

Wind: Calm gusting Light from the East

Blo Sno: None

Tair: 4.0 C

Tsurf: -2.5

T20: -6.5

Surface form and Size: FC 0.5-1.0mm

Pen Ski: 10cm

Pen Boot: 25cm

Snowpack Observations

A snapshot of surface conditions in sheltered terrain at mid elevations.

Terrain Use

The main ski/snowboard closures I am looking at right now are areas of extremely textured snow, and steep, firm and planar slopes where a ‘slide for life’ incident is possible.  No closures are in place due to avalanche hazard.

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