Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Pleasant skinning on spring snow with large rounded grains from the Virginia Lakes lower trailhead to 9,000 feet. There was a definite change in the snow surface at 9,000 ft, from large round grains to damp fine grained snow that fell last week during the inside slider storm. Open areas in the forest around the Pack Station still had 2-3" of wet, fine-grained snow that clogged skins. The Southeast gully on Dunderberg had wind scoured areas from strong southwest winds. No signs of wind slab or loose wet avalanches were observed in the basin.
Gentle breezes, 5-10 mph from the trailhead to 9,000 feet along snowmobile and snocat packed Virginia Lakes Rd. Air temperatures mid 50's and felt hot due to strong sun. At the Lower Virginia Creek campground, air temperatures cooled to upper 40's with wind gusts moving small branches. Air temperature was 43F at 9,500 ft. By 2:30PM, snow was beginning to freeze and the ski out was fast and enjoyable.

Signs of Unstable Snow