Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

Enjoyed another beautiful Sierra day in the June BC, skiing 2 runs in the Negatives Cirque, touring between 9200′ and 11200′.

• All aspects at these elevations are developing surface facets. On many slopes these overly firm old windslabs, making for fun and fast skiing but at times challenging skinning.
• Lower angle solars were also faceting, and despite the strong radiation today there was no evidence of loose wet activity observed. Only the most tilted solar panels were moistening by mid afternoon.
• 2mm surface hoar was observed on all aspects up to 9700′, mostly confined to proximity to Yost Meadow.
• We skied steep supported terrain and the only instability noted was sluffing in the surface facets. 1 Sz. 1 Loose Dry on a N aspect at 10900′ running naturally observed in Negative 2.
• No wind slab detected in entrances to runs, though large cornice growth between Davey’s Early Out and Horst Chute prevents access to some of these steeper runs that did not look like they had slid during the last cycle.
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