Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Toured from 7050' to 10300' on the north side of Red Mountain today, during another round of stormy conditions. Snowfall rates and totals were less than that of the Mammoth area, with 10-15cm of new, at S-1 (less than 1 inch/hour) rate. Winds were moderate to strong, gusty out of the SW, minimal blowing snow given how stripped the other side of the peak is.
HS is pretty variable, and the willows and mahogany are still poking out on many of the slopes and no shortage of rocks were encountered just underneath the surface, making slower skiing a good call.

Above treeline there were pockets of 20cm wind slab failing easily in hand shear and kickturn tests, an overall shallow snowpack from being raked by the wind, and panels of firm wind board that on steeper or more exposed slopes would have necessitated ski crampons.

Signs of Unstable Snow