Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Despite some weather forecasts predicting a calmer morning, it had started snowing by 9 am at the Timberline climber's lot. The snow continued throughout are tour with winds increasing by around 10 am. We took a short tour up the eastern boundary of Timberline towards the Salmon River Canyon. Leaving the parking lot, the only consolidated snow seemed to be the skin track that was surrounded by 6-8" of fresh snow. By 6500' or so, the snow changed consistency to a more firm and wind swept pack. Rocks and tops of bushes were plentiful and we found that we needed to pick our way between in these areas. Southern and western aspects were most affected. After reaching east of Silcox Hut, we decided to descend and see about some other protected options as winds were keeping steady. We found cornices on the edge of the Salmon River canyon that were somewhat reluctant to break off until a few stomps were made. The bottoms and the western aspect of the canyon were bare rocks and ice so we avoided that area. We found pockets of good snow and wind drifts that made the flat light ski down exciting. Lower elevations had the softest snow with knee high turns to be found on east aspects. A good winter tour to knock the summer rust off.