Observation: NWAC Forecaster

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Snow showers all day at various rates. A few points may have reached moderate. There were some gusty east winds that were blowing snow around easily. At one point, you could feel the warmth of the sun as it tried to come out, but it was still cloudy and snowing.

Avalanche Observation Comments:

Noticed 2 very small (D 0.5) avalanches on steep unsupported slopes. They were likely shallow Wind Slabs

Snowpack Observations

There is about 3 feet of storm snow sitting over the 4/8 crust. This snow is generally rightside up and well bonded to the underlying crust. Compression tests and deep tap tests didn't highlight any major layers of concern. At the base of the 24 hour snow (~6") there is a slight suncrust from yesterday (4/12) on some slopes. This breakable crust was easy to tug on in hand-pits and was felt underfoot while riding.

The wind was easily redistributing low-density snow onto a variety of aspects, creating a firmer wind skin on exposed slopes. Textured surfaces, large drifts, fresh cornices, and other forms of wind sculpting were present in many areas.