Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

After a deafening walk on firm surfaces in the BTL, the snow slowly transitioned from firm and icy to soft and powdery around 4000'. We found about a foot of settled powder over the Christmas Crust. The surface has been weakening in the clear nights.

We topped out around 5500' and the ridgeline 5200'+ showed signs of wind affect on both sides with a double cornice line (N and S aspects). The cornices were small and vertical, not a concern. We skied the N facing bowl and there was some wind stiffened snow, but no slabs found. No other signs of instability. Saw some old drifts down lower, but again no slabs or instability found.

Looking across the valley at a steep rocky face that had been in the sun most of the day, looks like there were some rollerballs, but hard to call anything an actual wet loose avalanche. There were older rollerballs along cut banks from yesterday, but nothing new today. No older WL slides spotted.