Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Quiet day with fresh snow in lower-angle trees. Good skiing, minimal instability noted. Plenty of smiles among those making Friday laps.

Weather: overcast all day, light/moderate precipitation from ~10 am onward, varying snow-crystal types, perhaps a little bit of mist mixed in in the afternoon as high as the ridgetops. Light winds, even at the ridgetops. Liquid precipitation as we reached the car -- car-roof accumulation was slush.

An endless conference call provided ample opportunity for snow-profiles as a way to stay warm. On open N/W slopes at 4.8-5k, including a ridgetop, instability seemed confined to storm layers well above the crust. ECT didn't propagate, but CTM on two layers 15-30 cm down. Buried hoar didn't seem evident in my profiles.