Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

Today’s tour was a chance for the forecast team to collect our impressions of the early season snowpack before moving into full operations. After a decent storm it was time to go out on a first date with a snowpack we’d been looking forward to meeting. Like most first dates there was excitement and trepidation. Unfortunately, on this first date we saw more red flags than reasons to fall head over heels.

• We observed recent natural avalanche activity, both in our area of operations, and through reports from other avalanche professionals operating in similar terrain.
• We experienced localized collapsing in the skin track.
• We saw consistent propagation in Extended Column Tests on multiple aspects BTL.
• In most areas we traveled we found stronger wind packed snow over weaker snow. The wind-packed layer cracked and failed in ski tests on small test slopes.

Today’s tour was a good reminder of the importance seeing the big picture of the season. We all look forward to the first storms of the winter, but early season backcountry riding comes with a heavy helping of uncertainty. When red flags appear it is important to be patient enough to take a step back.