Observation: NWAC Observer

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Weather Summary

Valley fog up to 4,500 ft hung around all day. Winds remained very light untill the ridgeline. At the ridgeline, we found light to moderate E/SE winds.

Avalanche Observation Comments:

Old glide avalanches from the past two weeks are visible throughout the valley.

Debris from large slab avalanches that likely occured during the 1/6 cycle can be found beneath the W. face of Kendall, and in the gut of Red Mountain and Lundin Peak.

No new avalanaches were observed.

Snowpack Observations

Below tree line, valley fog kept surfaces frozen. Travel is difficult in this elevation band. Spikes still recommended.

In sheltered areas near open streams we found 2-4 mm surface hoar and 1-3 mm facets. These grains are isolated, and we did not find any grains of this type in steeper terrain where an avalanche could occure.

Near and above tree line, solar slopes softened by 11:30 am. Boot pen was never more than ankle deep. Glide cracks are widespread, and we found running water coming off of cliff bands and dripping underneath the snowpack. That being said, the glide avalanches we did see were all several days old.