Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Alternating sunbreaks and drizzle kept the stoke oscillating. Dismal expectations generally exceeded. Access was better than low-tide would suggest, snow softer, skiing better, and exit acceptable.

Snow did not appear to have gotten a solid freeze overnight at most elevations. Filtered sunshine and light liquid precip allowed for acceptable skiing even at 5800'. Ascending steeper solar slopes over rock outcroppings from 4-5k yielded a surprise -- pole penetration to the ground. The not-quite-frozen but generally supportable crust in these locations gave way to wet grains as soft as fist-hard. Skiing the same slopes 12-1pm yielded ski-penetration approaching boot-deep schmoo in places. Wet activity was limited to small pinwheels and mostly-granular sluffs on steepest slopes.

Widespread decomposing SH to 1 cm was evident in an open creek-valley just below 4k.

Creeks are quite open, though bridges are often available. Another 1-2' of base will bring classic Snoqualmie approaches into full-winter condition. Ski crampons useful, especially in the alpine.

--Hagedorn