Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

In the field again today with a core group of AIARE 1 students who were primed for adventure.   The snowpack this season has been challenging and it has only gotten more difficult to find good skiing in our traditional backcountry locations.  Thin and variable coverage, sticky snow and debris on the snow surface are all complicating factors.

Here is a summary of some key points from today.

• Continued wind and thin cloud cover kept snow surfaces cooler for a longer period of time today.
• East aspects did not soften except for the steeper areas by 11:00 AM near ridgelines
• In sheltered SE facing terrain the surfaces did soften in more sheltered areas at mid and lower elevations, but were also sticky skiing before noon.
• Coverage and connected snow panels are making it hard to ski continuous runs above Horseshoe Lake, especially on southerly aspects.
• Lower down in the Lakes Basin flat terrain and roadways are beginning to melt out with bare patches showing through in many places.

Be aware that cooler temperatures, cloud cover and new snow fall will changes these conditions dramatically in the next 48 hours.  New snow will hide bare patches, thinly covered obstacles and uneven surfaces.  In addition, the old snow surface will become the bed surfaces for future avalanches when we get new snow.

Have a great spring touring season and please continue to post your observations to the following link:

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