Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Today was clear and sunny, temps in the mid 20s, and winds low but with occasional brief periods of 25 mph. Enough snow was blowing to fill footprints on the top half of the Mtn. Below 5700 feet, there are several feet of snow from last week's storm. It has a 1-2" wind slab on top and cold firm snow below. Above 5700', there is evidence (see pics) that high winds have scoured at least 2' of snow off the ridges. A quick pit at 8200' showed 1 cm icy crust, 5 cm of soft snow, a hard ice layer 1-2 cm thick, and then 30 cm of softer snow on top of a hard thick ice layer impenetrable to shovel or probe.

Skiing is good below 5700' and through the woods to Marble Mtn, but the wind scouring above has exposed a surprising amount of geology. Skiers on the top half of the Mtn will have to be very cautious if they want to avoid injury or damaged gear. We need more snow.

There are always footprints way out on the rim cornice, but two sets of footprints today were notable for being less than 18" from the outer edge of the cornice. Both sets of footprints were over 1800' of snow-covered air.