Observation Date:
January 24, 2022
Submitted:
January 24, 2022
Observer:
Josh Feinberg | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Fresno Bowl - back side of Mammoth Mtn - Surface softening
Recent Avalanches?
None Observed
Cracking?
None Experienced
Collapsing?
None Experienced
Stability Rating:
Very Good
Confidence in Rating:
High
Stability Trend:
Steady
- Went off the backside of Mammoth Mtn at 1:45pm opposite the gondola down Fresno Bowl to 10,000′ and traversed back in-bounds at turkey gulch by hemlock ridge. Once past the extreme wind-effected sastrugi snow and bare patches just past the ski area boundary and into the more protected gulch, SSW aspect was smooth and moist and very supportable (perfect spring turns) with a boot penetration maxing at ~10cm.
- Calm winds, full sunshine all day, and relatively warm temps (summit of mammoth mtn at 1:45pm = 37°F).
- No sign or indications of surface softening becoming anywhere near concerning in the limited areas where I travelled.
