Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Beautiful day out with variable riding conditions. Continuous snow began around 3300'. Hard icy snow in the trees, then a wide mix of supportive and non-supportive crusts, old avalanche debris, and pockets of soft snow as we gained elevation. Surface hoar was much less than I expected and not widespread. Ridge cornices existed but were moderate in size, Conditions were soft/breakable enough to allow for steep skinning with ski crampons to final steeper headwall up to summit. Great snow conditions for steps and solid purchase with axe up to summit. Winds on summit were consistent but moderate, up to 10 MPH.

On descent, I did trigger a very tiny slab (3' x 3' estimation), half-inch deep? along the ridge.