Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Elevation 5400ft, SE aspect, near Herman Saddle on the Bagley Lake side of the saddle. In a hand pit observation, there were no detectible (to an ungloved finger) crusts or density changes in the foot or so of snow on the ground. There were several areas along the South aspect of Mt. Herman where snow drifts were 2+ feet deep and crusts had formed on wind affected features, especially above 5000ft.

We were cautious of the slopes above the Chain Lakes trail as we moved up towards Herman Saddle but all of the slopes overhead didn't have enough snow to cover the rocks or form a slab so we continued on. I expect that with the forecasted 24+ inches this weekend, there will be enough snow to generate an avalanche hazard in that area that should be taken seriously.