Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

Took a little ‘tour’ with an AIARE 1 group up to the Sherwin Ridge from Mill City to explore terrain, make a few turns and learn about spring snow conditions.  Here is a list of key observations from today.

• The Road Closed Sign is in place at the normal winter closure though people are still trying to drive beyond it.  50 yards up the road there is a down tree and snow berm blocking the road.
• We walked on snow and pavement for ~10 minutes before we could start skinning and after that had to be gentle a few times and took our skis off once to reach the Lake Mary Road.
• From the Lake Mary Road the Sherwin Bootpack is completely snow free to the crest of the ridge.
• Winds were ripping.  At times on our approach we had Strong winds with Extreme gusts that threatened to knock us down.
• Once on the ridge we were able to find shelter in depressions and then at the top of Upper Mammoth Rock Bowl to put our skis and boards on.
• On the East aspect of the Upper Bowl we found good surface softening, but in the shade of trees and more northerly terrain it was still a little firm at 11:30 AM.

Overall it was an adventuresome little circuit given this is our bread and butter backyard terrain in mid winter.