Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Toured through E/SE facing treed terrain from 4-6k near the confluence of Cutthroat/Early Winters.

Day started warm with temps in the valley approaching 30F, with S3 precip and calm winds throughout our sled ride in and beginning of the tour.

By mid day precip waned to S-1/S1 and winds remained calm out of the west. Afternoon skies were broken with intermittent sun breaks.

At 6k, HS 180cm, ski pen 30cm, air temp 21F (1pm)

New snow from the last 4 days ranged from 20-40cms (increasing with elevation) overlying Christmas crust. Ski pen all the way down to the crust was a rarity, as the new snow had come in right side up.

We did not experience or observe any signs of instability in the relatively benign terrain we were traveling through. That said, the 12/8 interface and recent natural cycle just up the road informed a conservative approach to the day’s tour plan. Surface/riding conditions in our chosen location were excellent.