Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

We started out in Aspendell and booted up the first moraine. The narrow band of snow on the NE flank was very firm and we were glad to have our boot crampons on. Once on top of the moraine, it became evident, just how much destruction those wind events left in their wake: Huge sastrugis and a very shallow snow cover that is quickly giving way to the bushes. There is however still enough snow left to get some good turns. Prime facet garden territory up higher on  the NE facing ridge.

Early morning sky cover was SCT and it felt very hot as we worked our way up the moraines into the bowl. T air 3 deg C at 941 hrs 8966 ft. SE aspect. Up higher there was a light breeze from the SW. The high cirrus clouds gradually became thicker and started covering more of the sky, especially looking south. The snow on the NE aspect was cold and dry.

Skiing down we found some sweet, soft turns in the Bishop Bowl trees. The steep SE flank and gully back down to Aspendell was still pretty firm and even the more textured, slightly breakable snow skied pretty well and was supportable if you treaded lightly. The snow on the SE aspect only started getting soft below about 9200 ft. There is still a narrow band of snow that connects from the top to the bottom.