Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Toured along skyline divide, where we came across deep unconsolidated snow. 24+ inches had accumulated at the divide since our last time in this area on December 22nd. There were no clear interfaces we were able to identify in the upper meter of snow in hand pits - we saw few signs of settling. On the ridge lines there was recent evidence of wind effect on northerly and easterly aspects, however there was no effect in the most recent storm snow. We were able to get a small amount of snow to move on steeper terrain features - we chose not to ski into skyline basin given the depth of the new snow making setting trail difficult. Snow immersion was a very real concern - and so chose terrain wisely to mitigate that risk.