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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 15, 2023
Submitted:
February 15, 2023
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
June Lake
Location:
June Mountain Backcountry - Upper Snowpack observations NTL

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Key Points

The goal for today was to survey the upper snowpack in the June backcountry. I didn’t get above 10000′.

  • There was more new snow in the June backcountry than expected, up to 15cm in some protected areas.
  • Under the new snow in areas that loaded from west winds on 20230214 a 15 to 30cm P hard wind slab is sitting on F hard near surface facets.
  • In protected areas and areas stripped by west winds the low density new snow is sitting directly on the near surface facets
  • On solar slopes there is a 2 – 5cm melt freeze crust under the new snow. There are faceted grains under the melt freeze crust.
  • Above treeline most surfaces are wind eroded. Strong west winds follow by strong north winds left little soft snow above 10000′.

Media

Low angle, N aspect, 9000', June Lake area
Carson Peak conditions 2/15/23

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Wind:
Calm

Calm, sunny day below treeline in the June Mountain area. Temperatures were cold enough that the recent snow stayed dry even on southerly slopes.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Past 48 hours Carson Peak
N 10600' 		D2 HS I-New/Old Interface N-Natural
Natural Wind Slab - N 10600'
1 Past 48 hours Carson Peak apron
NE 8400' 		D1 SS I-New/Old Interface N-Natural

ECTP11 down 25cm at 9000′ and in a second location 9800′ on N aspects in wind loaded BTL terrain. The structure in these areas was low density new snow over P hard wind slab over F hard 1mm near surface facets.

I found this structure in the Ghost Trees and at the top of steep open tree runs above the Yost Trailhead.

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