Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Observed widespread wind affected snow with most observations consistent with the W wind, but a few indications blowing through the Stevens Canyon area from the S and loading North facing slopes. We did not observe shooting cracks most of the day, but a skin track test on the E side of Alta Vista ~75' below ridgeline did break into large chunks and push down into the track. A quick hand pit on a North facing slope at 5800' showed a layer 10-15cm down that sheared cleanly and relatively easily.

Down lower, snow became quite moist and heavy ~4500' and below. In the trees below 4500' buried obstacles and open or nearly open creeks became common as we approached Stevens Canyon road.