Public Observation

Observation Details

Observations

Skied most of the NE couloir of Independence Peak this morning. The snowpack was stable and right side-up all the way to our turn around point at ~10,800'. We turned here due to increased surface variability and uncertainty regarding the distribution and reactivity of wind slabs higher in the chute. The skiing down to ~8,600' was excellent, ranging from ~2' of fresh snow up high to ~6" on the apron of the couloir. We encountered a mix of wind and sun crusts from the apron to our cars at ~6,000'.

Of note, we chose this line for today in part because it had already slid, removing the 3/19 PWL. Sporadic probing while skinning confirmed the absence of this layer in the gut of the chute.

Signs of Unstable Snow