Observation: NWAC Forecaster

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Socked in almost all morning. Visibility was difficult except for a few sucker holes.

Avalanche Observation Comments:

There was one small WL avalanche coming out of the rocks into upper Denny Trees. It likely occurred on 1/10.

Snowpack Observations

Took the new travel route up the valley and popped out on the Chair Peak fan with very poor visibility. Made my way over and up Big Trees into Great Scott Bowl and almost pulled the plug on my trip plan since I couldn't see 10 feet in front of me. Then the skies cleared (temporarily) and I was given a window to ascend up to Pineapple Pass. Skiing was great on both sides of the ridge, but unfortunately, I couldn't see a thing on the way back down Great Scott Bowl with borderline vertigo conditions.

The snowpack was generally right-side-up and sound heading into this next AR event. That said, I did find some buried SH at the 1/4 interface down in Denny Trees (S/SW 4460'), but was not overly impressed by it. If anything, it could just be another layer to peel away as the AR hits tomorrow.

A slight suncrust (1/10) was found on open slopes that see direct sunshine, but well-settled powder was found in more shaded and wind-protected areas. While signs of wind-effect were spotted, it was not as widespread as in days past. A few cms of new snow sat on the surface.