Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
February 14, 2023Submitted:
February 14, 2023Observer:
Barbara Wanner | Key ObserverZone or Region:
Lee ViningLocation:
Widespread temperature and wind crusts in the June Mtn BCSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
YesCracking?
IsolatedCollapsing?
None ExperiencedSnow Stability
Stability Rating:
FairConfidence in Rating:
ModerateStability Trend:
SteadyKey Points
- Recent warm temps and solar radiation have created crusts on most aspects up to at least 10, 400 ft.
- Strong winds yesterday and over night from the SW and later shifting to the N did the rest of the work creating wind board that is sometimes firm and supportable and then suddenly breakable. Even previously sheltered snow in the trees is now crusted over.
- Several squalls of snowfall along with light to moderate winds and cold temps added a new layer of dust on these crusts.
- The new snow from today formed small wind slabs that cracked around our skis and propagated to max. 2m. Very shallow and soft wind packed accumulations of about 10 cm depth.
