Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Observed conditions around Red Mountain West Peak similar to what Katie Warren reported for the zone. Snow was sturdy and robust in the morning (requiring microspikes; minimal boot penetration), but by afternoon we were postholing periodically along the formerly groomed road down at least an inch.
Snow under the trees around Thorp Creek was extremely punchy all day, but above 4.4k', the stability increased dramatically in the shade (the stability in the sunlight was minimal at best; isolated cracking). The freshly fallen afternoon snowpack near treeline was poorly bonded to the crust below it and was slide prone. Made for interesting snowshoe skiing today.
Lots of open creek holes and several bare patches along the road.
No seriously concerning avalanche behavior was observed today.