Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Solar aspects did not warm enough to produce threat of loose wet avalanche. No signs of instability observed. Greatest hazards experienced between 7,000′ and 11,000′ on Basin Mountain were extremely variable snow surface conditions.

Snow Stability

Key Points

• Solar aspects did not warm enough to produce threat of loose wet avalanche. No signs of instability observed. No loose snow available for wind transport.
• clear skies and calm air throughout day.
• Greatest hazards experienced between 7,000′ and 11,000′ on Basin Mountain were extremely variable snow surface conditions. Very challenging travel on ascent and descent alike. The type of snow often making expert skiers resort to downhill kick turns and pizza wedges.  
• 0830hrs, 7,700ft, E facing, Tair 0*C, Boot Pen 0cm
• 0850hrs, 8,000ft, NE/E, Tair -2*C, Boot Pen 0cm
• 0930hrs, 8,500ft, Tair 3*C, SE windboard Boot Pen 0cm, decomposing windboard on NE gully wall Boot Pen 10-15cm
• 1030hrs, 9,700ft, E 120*, Tair 5*C, bare ground
• 1200hrs, 10,200ft, E 120*, Tair 5*C, Boot Pen 5-10cm moist grains,
• 1250hrs, 10,900ft, Tair 8*C,  S 160* Boot Pen 10-15cm moist grains, E 90* Boot Pen 0cm dry grains.