Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

Toured today between 7050′ and 11,100′ on Red Mountain.

• Between 7050′ and 8200′ surfaces on all aspects are saturated and were well frozen in the morning. Rain runnels evident up to 8400′.
• Between 8200′ and 8500′ surfaces were breakable and provided challenging skiing, luckily above 8,500′ surfaces became drier. No moist/wet snow found on N aspects above this elevation.
• Surfaces became more wind affected on exposed ridges with little vegetation above 10,200′. Shallow wind slabs up to 15cm thick could be found resting on RGwp grains, though were inconsistent and resistant in failures. No surface cracking aside from localized cracks occuring.
• Cornices atop the central avalanche path were smaller and more supported than would be expected from looking at them.
• Only 1 avalanche observed that had not previously been reported (numerous crowns below ridgeline on Nevahbe Ridge/Morgan North were visible).
• HS-N-D2.5-R2 crown width 200+m running 250m in BTL on NNW aspect, 38 deg at 9100′.
• North facing aspects were a mixed bag of variable wind crusts, soft textured wind blown snow on sheltered N aspects. Lower down, the breakable was frustrating by rather short-lived. N facing slopes with less incline and any solar tilt were softening and providing a nice pseudo-corn skiing experience.
• Nice to have a springlike day away from the snow shoveling, before the next round arrives.
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