Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Key Points

Some days you look at the forecasted temps and freezing levels and leave when you should, other days you hit the snooze button and know you’ll be behind the timing window for safe conditions no matter what. Today was one of those days.

Left the June Loop North parking at the gate at 0740 with a Tair of 43 degrees, and began skinning up the lower apron of Mt. Wood at 0815. Boot pen at 7200′ was 5cm, ski pen 1cm.

At 0920, boot pen was 20cm, ski pen was 10cm at 8800′, E aspect.

At 1000, boot pen was 40cm, ski pen was 15cm at 8800′, NE aspect. By this time at these low elevations, especially below 8500′ that received a very poor refreeze, downhill skiing was becoming arduous  and on steeper 35+deg slopes it was easy to intentionally trigger small loose wet avalanches.

Pray for freezing temps.