Observation: Public

Observation Details

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Took advantage of the spring like weather to do a sled accessed overnight out at Big Hill Hut. Conditions were variable from wind scoured and solar crusts to wind loaded and protected N/NE aspects. NE bowl appeared to have some more wind loading possibly from Thursday night. Hand shears and shovel tests showed a crust at about 4"-6" down, but column tests yielded no results. We opted to ski NE facing terrain that was excellent, and the adjacent N facing bowl was more wind scoured and variable.

There was some older debris that looked to be triggered from a cliff band or rock fall, or possible small cornice failure. No other signs of instability, and gave some of the steeper sections a wide berth especially as temperatures warmed up.

Saturday was slightly overcast and cooler which led to better travel, but Sunday was full on spring time with blue bird skies and temps in the 40's. Good skiing in the morning on NE facing aspects, but anything in the sun was quickly becoming soft and downright slushy on the ride out.