Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Toured from the Sherwin Creek Rd. closure (at Sierra Meadows Ranch) to Punta Bardini/Old Growth today. Low elevations had 6-10" of new, though was settling rapidly as it was being saturated by wet snow/snain. Getting above the 8500' contour wrapping along the top of the Tele Bowl, storm snow accumulation rapidly increased to 18-20" with drifts much deeper. Skin track was knee deep for much of the Old Growth ascent.
Kickturn and hand shear tests indicated a widespread storm slab above 8500', 4-6" thick here, and 10" thick at 9700'. These soft slabs were failing within the storm snow, no results on the old snow interface. No shooting cracks, or collapses noted. Did not dig.
Returned avoiding Tele Bowls for snow quality as much as anything. I would think loose wet could be a problem at these elevations this afternoon if temps stay warm, large roller balls were easy to kick off and the upper snowpack had become much more saturated in the few hours we were out.

Signs of Unstable Snow