Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

I headed to Virginia lakes today with three goals. I wanted to get an idea of coverage in the northern part of the range, whether or not our Persistent slab problem is showing its teeth, and to see if I could poke above treeline to get a sense on the structure ATL .

Driving up Virginia lake road it was clear that this corner of the forecast area had received a decent amount of new snow overnight. Totals averaged around 4 inches of very low-density snow with favorable terrain features holding totals closer to 6 inches.

Along my tour I noted several small point releases on steep slopes.

I ventured above Red lake through the open gladded terrain that remains relatively low angle. While on my way up I experienced three very large collapses. One in particular that shook near by trees and sent shooting cracks well over 50 ft in length in front of my skis. This was at about 10,000’ on a E aspect.

Digging nearby to this location I found very poor structure and concerning stability test results. At the 12/1 interface I noted 1F hard decomposing grains sitting on top of F hard large, grained facets. CTVSP x2, ECTV failing on isolation. (See Pit # 1 for more information)

 I also dug in on a NE aspect just shy of 11,000’ I found a very similar structure here with the exception that in this location, the basal facets are sitting below a very hard and supportable wind board. See pit #2 for more details.

Winds increased out of the NW this afternoon and significant transport was observed along ridge-lines and high peaks.

The mountains gave me one reason after another not to push into steep consequential terrain today, I’m glad I listened.