Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We went to the Crest with the same mindset of our respective wives when they married us: low expectations and "something is better than nothing."

Skies were clear and temps were -4 or lower at the Crest. Pass level winds were brutally cold as easterly flow pushed over Stevens Pass through the afternoon to 4500'. North 5000' HS +/- 200cm, with a faceting, recrystallized surface on true north or in any shady locations. South 5000' was isothermal and had 180cm HS with evidence of late afternoon roller balls from the current high pressure window. Corn ripened by 1400, with flash freezing of solar aspects that went back into the shade. As low as 3600' west of the pass, we found cold, recrystallized snow in shady, open areas that had not been tree bombed. Awful tree skiing and travel can be found on anything solar near the pass right now. Pick your snow preference based on aspect, and try to nail descent timing to avoid unedgeable, slide-for-life conditions.

A slide and fall in any of the Stevens Pass parking lots could be tragic right now. Bend your knees and keep your helmet on until you are safely in your vehicle. Crux parking lots will take a 22cm ice screw if anyone needs extra practice placing one.

The cool air inversion has been persistent east of, at, and just west of the Crest under current easterly flow (photo of Lichtenberg east from highway at 1500, upper Nason Creek at 1300) and is creating weak, faceted snow that will underlay the next storm, should we get one.