Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

There was snow left over from last weekend that was 12-18 inches deep on average over a hard pack base. Snow was deeper in wind drifted areas. The snow had a wind crust with powdery snow below in upper elevations. Snow became heavier as you descended. The snow was fairly consolidated over the hard packed base. There were no signs of instability or slides. There wasn't much of a cornice at the crater rim at the top of Monitor Ridge, but further west around the rim at the true summit, there are very large cornices overhanging the crater. These cornices pose a hazard for climbers approaching the crater rim. There are also cornices built up by prevailing winds at the top of east facing slopes. There were a lot of climbers, skiers, and snowboarders on the route.