Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Constant WNW winds throughout the day. 15mph, gusting to 20+ at the top of Bullion Peak.

Topmost snow layers were variable depending on aspect. Moving only a couple degrees around the same shoulder ascending to the Bullion Peak ridge produced very different snow surfaces and surface characteristics.

Slightly more SW facing aspects had a breakable 1-2" melt-freeze crust layer on top of 6 inches of low density snow. Below that was a stout 2-3" crust. Didn't dig deep enough to determine if this was the MLK crust. Skin tracks on these aspects washed out easily.

Slightly more W facing aspects on the same shoulder demonstrated windslab formation that became stiffer as we gained elevation. Mitt pits around 6000' produced planar releases with moderate force in the top 6-8". Slabs were generally softer and would generally crumble when picked up.

N facing aspects were noticeably wind pressed and had less slab formation.

Skiied the middle ground between windslab and windpressed in open glades. Snow skiied extremely well and the windslabs did not react as we descended.