Observation: Avalanche Professional

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cold and cloudy day with mostly light winds out of the south with some moderate gusts. Snow surface is very weak so still snow available for transport. Some blowing and drifting snow observed above 5,500'. A couple short sun breaks on mount Herman, but cold temps and wind seemed to limit any solar affects at the surface.

Avalanche Observation Comments:

No avalanches observed.

Snowpack Observations

The snow surface this morning was very weak: widespread surface hoar 3-5mm on all aspects and elevations we traveled today (N, S, and E 4,200'-6,200') along with 5cm of heavily rimed precipitation particles. This sits atop a very thin crust that we found in all but the most sheltered locations. Directly beneath that crust is 4F-1F hard DFs and RG but no layers of concern. By midday, a warmer breeze was starting to pick up out of the south that was noticeably destroying the SH in exposed locations, but lots of uncertainty on where and if there will still be pockets preserved.

Avalanche Problems

Set off a few small loose dry sluffs in steep over 40 degree terrain, but they didn't travel very fast or far.