Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

• I ventured into the lakes basin today to survey recent snow totals and to try and find some evidence of recent wind deposits.
• Snow totals averaged about 2 inches with some areas above 10000′ closer to 4″. However, coverage was quite variable. recent winds have stripped many areas back to old surfaces while drifting snow in depressions and other catchment zones.
• It took some effort, but I was able to find a few areas with recent wind deposited snow. deposits measured up to 18″ deep and were reactive to my weight. However, these areas were isolated and very small. More wind whales than actual wind slabs.
• Northerly and easterly start zones near and above treeline were stripped to the old snow surface.
  Some minor flagging was observed along the crest this afternoon resulting from the strong NE winds.
• I ventured on to one protected solar aspect with recent snow coverage to see if I could initiate any surface sloughing. The snow in this area had a distinctly upside-down feel however I was not able to initiate any sloughing or rollerball activity. I did note that sun-exposed snow was quite sticky and grabby feeling. Minor glopping was experienced on my climb as well.
• Signs of instability were limited to minor wind transport, very small deposition zones, and minor cracking. I would not be surprised to find areas with more consequential windslab deposits somewhere in the range. But many southerly aspects I observed are pretty burned out. Areas with the previous coverage, the right aspect, and appropriate terrain features may be limited.