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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 31, 2022
Submitted:
January 31, 2022
Observer:
Steve Mace | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Surface conditions sheltered northerly trees, Lakes basin

Signs of Unstable Snow

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

Snow Stability

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

Key Points

  • I spent the day in the lakes basin searching for some soft snow to give the joints a break.
  • we got lucky and found quite lovely recycled powder in sheltered northerly terrain above 9000′
  • A Couple of quick pits confirmed about 15-20 cm of the snowpack to be F hard faceted snow above a well-consolidated but still facets snowpack ~1f hard.
  • We noticed some light surface warming below 9000′ or so in areas with low slope angles and more solar exposure. While not extensive it was notable in that it added a “grippy” nature to the surface.
  • Isolated areas of small surface hoar were observed in sheltered and shaded locations.
  • Notable settlement has occurred over our extended dry spell. Snowpack heights average around 1-1.5 meters with several areas of dry ground around large trees or windward aspects on exposed terrain features.
  • No signs of instability were observed on our tour today.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Overcast
Temperature:
mid to upper 30°s
Wind:
Moderate , W

Cloud cover increased throughout the day today becoming overcast by mid-afternoon. Temperatures were relatively warm with highs in the upper 30°s however increasing winds out of the west kept things feeling chilly. We observed a notable decrease in temperature mid-afternoon after returning to the car. temp was measured at 34°

 

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