Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Mellow tour w/ dog in Tronsen zone, starting from FSR 7240, seeking low angle runs from below the eastern flank of the Tronsen Head summit ridge (As noted in Beacon guide, runs: TH East, Tronsen Breakover). On the way up, BTL featured firm, supportable crust topped by 3-4 inches of light, new snow. Lots of exposed logs, stumps, rocks, etc. Crust was stout and was penetrable by pole handle but not basket. Snow in the trees looked mangled and lots of debris. Very well established skin track in place leading up FSR 7240 to the Upper Tronsen Rd / Tronsen Loop Trail.

In the 5000' + zone, the crust was a softer with a couple inches more light, new snow on top, about 4-6" total. Very few exposed logs or debris. Two small slab avalanche crowns noted on N-NW aspect near Tronsen Head Summit in steep terrain, seemed several days old and were filled in a little bit by the new snow.

Near Tronsen Head summit ~5,800', widespread wind scouring and wind slabs were noted, about a foot thick. Moreso as I traveled west below Tronsen Head Summit, and on the crests of small ridges/ribs, so opted to turn back around and ski the more sheltered and lower angle eastern slopes off of Tronsen Ridge which did not have any noticeable wind scouring and no pillowy slabs. They skied very well.