Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Great boot/ski pack from Marble Mtn lot to the tree line at 4500' . Ridges from 4500' to the seismograph at 6000' are a mix or rocks and snow with collapsing snow bridges and post holes. Above 6000', ridges are rock, rime ice, and wind scoured snow. There is enough snow in the valleys and lee slopes for skilled skiers, but patches of heavy rime, sometimes covered with thin wind blow snow, are challenging. We need more snow before the skis are worth hauling up. Crampons are the tool of choice. Climbing permits from Recreation dot Gov still needed until December 1.

I dug a few holes on South and east aspects above 7600'. There was 2-8" of fresh wind slab over 8-10" of softer snow. Under than was heavy ice. The slab would pop off the soft snow as climber walked by.

The only sign of instability from the storm last week was some old roller balls between 3500-4000'.