Observation: NWAC Observer

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Broken to OVC sky cover with winds out of the SSW increasing to strong at ridgeline in afternoon. Blowing and drifting snow on ridges with windward ridgecrest scoured and snow being transported from further down slope.

Avalanche Observation Comments:

D1 loose dry naturals on 40+degree slopes.
1 skier triggered D1 soft slab observed on a steep road cut exit.

Snowpack Observations

A largely right side up snow pack with the most recent 50-60cm sitting on a few cm of older faceted snow over MF layers that was buried on 11/26. Lots of loose snow on the surface with a 30cm ski pen, and full snow pack boot pen. Periods of strong wind in this last storm cycles have created single step density changes in some areas which are observable with hand shears. The new storm snow also appears to have bonded well to the pre 11/26 facted snow. No sudden results were observed on this layer, but further exploration would be warranted in larger and higher elevation terrain.

Wind transported snow building cornices and wind slabs was very noticeable along ridgelines in the near treeline.

Avalanche Problems

slabs are continuing to build on N-NE aspects. Still a good amount of snow available for transport.