Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Winds died down this morning and the NPS was able to open to HR road by 11am to kick off the Christmas to New Years week. Todays ski took me classic Maggies Lap up to the ridge line and down thru the Wrinkle glades. 12-14" of new snow was sitting on top of the 12/21 crust and it had a great fluffy feel to it. Travel was nice up to the ridge line where there is lots of evidence of wind transport from the South winds the night before. S aspects are quite thin with snow and the 12/21 crust is exposed in places along the ridgeline. Many fresh and sensitive cornices are in place along the North sides of ridgelines and Wind Slabs are no doubt lurking below. The ski back down to the road was the best powder yet this year. Great way to start the week!

Sam Luthy
NWAC Pro Observer-Olympics