Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

After numerous failed attempts in other areas recently, finally found some sun softened snow in the south couloir of Basin today. Coverage in the chute itself was thin, and the upper looker's right branch was bare rock. There were two sections that required taking skis off on the way down, but only for 20-30 feet each, and I was able to ski from right around 13k, just about 150 feet below the summit. The skiing itself was quite enjoyable, and consisted of moist, large grains, albeit with a lot of texture to them, in a variety of forms, including 4-6" penitentes. Outside of the two brief skis-off interludes, I was able to make continuous turns for the rest of the 2500 vertical feet. Booting up was mostly supportable, althought the surface was not ideally smooth, and in thin areas with faceting, there was occasional small postholing. Most other southerly aspects in the region are becoming, if not already, totally bare.

The weather was very spring-like and warm today. After the first hour or so, temps were above freezing the entire day, including on the summit, where I was very comfortable in just a sun hoodie with the sleeves rolled up. I did not feel any wind at all, and the sun is starting to get more powerful as we get into mid-February. Many of the creeks in the area have begun to open up, and I did encounter the expected mixed bag of surfaces down low, including firm wind board and near surface facets.

The approach and exit today were quite another story from the excellent skiing. Ultimately, many of the moraines in the area are totally bare on the S aspects, and I didn't find consistent snow until near the Mt. Humphreys summertime trailhead at 9600'. This made travel in the area horrendous, and consisted of lots of alternating of bashing through sage brush, and then postholing in sneakers. I came in from Bishop Park campground, and I wouldn't recommend that approach currently to my worst enemy.

Of note, the bergschrund under the north couloir of Mt. Humphreys is very open, and there were numerous other cracks visible above and below it as well.

Signs of Unstable Snow