Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

We approached Mt Margaret summit from WSW and skied WNW trees from 5400ft down to parking lot.
From snowline forecasts & telemetry we had expected snow to be decent (dry + cold) above 3500ft but it was deep, heavy and wet up to 4800ft. The skiing in the trees was good down to about 4400ft, then getting more and more cement-like. We observed no natural or human triggered avalanches; storm slabs seemed a concern mostly higher up (>4800ft; with some wind slab buildup at the ridge line), wet loose + wet slab lower down. We did not observe fracturing or sliding, and quick hand shear tests and up slope ski tests did not indicate instabilities, but stayed away from open glades and steep terrain (>32deg) due to the massive amount of fresh snow.