Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

In untracked/ungroomed areas immediately adjacent to official skinning route (see below) and Bob Strand’s ridge, deep soft powder that stayed that way into the early evening thanks to cold weather. Saw SW winds higher up via cloud movement, but mostly calm lower down w slight breeze at ridge line drop in. No signs of snowpack instability via skiing resort east-facing BTL lines or quick SE-facing test slope hopping adjacent to ascent Skyline. Also spoke to a patroller who said avy work that morn had not released anything major despite recent weather concerns.

Special note: Regarding signs of continued UPHILL ACCESS stability, convos w another patroller had concerning results in terms of apparent exasperation w lack of uphill access rule-abiding. While I’m no expert on USFS(or state/local agency)-ski area use contracts as it pertains to what ski areas are and are not obliged to provide to the community regarding uphill access services, some do, some don’t and I’ve personally witnessed phenomenally flexible programs in Colorado become much more rigid (or nonexistent) in recent years for “safety” reasons related to user abuse. I’m sure all uphill access participants would prefer to not risk that happening here. Please learn the rules via this NWAC link and abide by them: https://nwac.us/uphill-travel-policies/