Observation Date:
January 16, 2022 - January 16, 2022
Submitted:
January 16, 2022
Observer:
Ryan Huetter | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Horseshoe/McCloud Ridge
Recent Avalanches?
None Observed
Cracking?
None Experienced
Collapsing?
None Experienced
Stability Rating:
Very Good
Confidence in Rating:
High
Stability Trend:
Steady
- An AIARE Level 1 avalanche course skied from Twin Lakes, up the Falls Tract and out to the slopes above Horseshoe and McCloud Lakes to take advantage of the low hazard conditions and to practice traveling through avalanche terrain using good travel tactics.
- Our group observed mostly N and E aspects from 8500′ to 9850′. Surface conditions on solar tiled slopes were mostly comprised of 5cm unsupportable sun crusts sitting on top of colder facets. Shaded slopes were consistently near-surface faceted crystals except where exposed to wind affect.
- Small tests slopes and intentionally triggered cornices along a small ridgeline produced no results, and hand shear and kick turn tests similarly produced no results.
- At 9850′ on a N aspect at 1145am, winds were L from the N, Tair was 4 deg. C, and Boot Pen was 10cm.
- Decent skiing can still be found where there are no tracks, above 9000′, though the warm temperatures were not kind to the lower elevation trees, where tree bombs and other frozen junk provided a less pleasant ski down.
