Observation Date:
January 25, 2022 - January 25, 2022
Submitted:
January 25, 2022
Observer:
Ryan Huetter | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Pine Creek
Location:
Elderberry Canyon
Recent Avalanches?
None Observed
Cracking?
None Experienced
Collapsing?
None Experienced
Stability Rating:
Very Good
Confidence in Rating:
High
Stability Trend:
Steady
- Pulled the plug on a solar objective in northern Mono county this morning after seeing the impressively strong NE winds forecasted up high, and headed across the county line where magically the winds were forecasted to be much less dramatic, topping out in the mid 20s out of the NE.
- Parked at 5700′ below Elderberry Canyon, where Tair was a balmy 6.5c, and winds were calm to light. The climb into the mouth of the canyon grew warm and we were quickly regretting all the long johns. Coverage is good through the bottom of the canyon, with the creek crossing well bridged. Ski crampons were very useful, as the surfaces encountered up in Elderberry were a mix of knife hard windboard, raised tracks, and some lingering panels of surface facets, some of which had a ski pen of 30cm.
- By 9600′, the sun came over the ridge and provided some relief from the cold (-5c) air temp, and light NE wind. Continuing up, the solar radiation was quite strong, but only enough to barely begin to break down the surfaces of solar tilting panels of snow. These slopes were still very transitional and will need a lot more time to become anything close to the pseudo-corn we’ve been finding elsewhere.
- Topping out on the ridge at 11,900′, Tair was still a chilly -4c, winds L-NE, sky still CLR.
- Descending the 6200′ of variable snow surfaces was quad-testing, but generally surfaces were predictable, with good fast turns on windboard and some softer turns in the brief panels of facets. All in all a good day in the mountains, with beautiful views and adventure skiing.
