Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

On the climbing approach to our ski destination, we encountered a zone of approximately 300 vertical feet where we observed 5 isolated whumpfs, with one whumpf propagating an approx. 20' long crack. This was located about halfway up from valley floor enroute to Chief Col. We experienced no whumpfing or settling above or below this zone. Snow was wind impacted lightly, not slabbed. Rough crust layer approx 6-8" under new storm snow from Tues/Wed a.m. Wind calm to light gusts, temps mid 20's, sky overcast with inversion fog lifting out of valley. Skiing descent had fair quality snow, with some seams of deeper, lighter powder.
Talked with another skier when we returned to snowmachines who had skied Liberty Bowl area today, and he reported whumpfing there as well, but can't report exactly where in that area.
Started snowing lightly @ 13:45. Wind increased up canyon as we traveled back to SS sno-park, strongest at Cutthroat Cr. to Lone Fir campground. Snowing moderately at SS sno-park @ 16:00.