Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Travelled between 5200 and 5900 ft elevation, traveling on mostly N and W aspects. I was looking out for evidence of shooting cracks and whumpfing given the day's avalanche forecast, but did not experience either. Did 3-4 hand pits to see if there was any slab like character, or distinct layers in the upper snowpack. I found a stout crust ~18" down (similar to what's been reported in NWAC), sugary snow around the crust (did not look at it thru a magnifying glass), and a thin intermediate crust about halfway down (~8-10" down). Hand pits didn't reveal and distinct slabs or fractures. Seemed like 4F hardness thru the whole 18" of the upper snowpack. There was definite evidence of wind transport near ridge tops and snow became denser in specific areas, but did not find shooting cracks or slabs. Snowpack warmed and became more consolidated throughout our day. Did not see any natural avalanches. Did see a few roller balls but not widespread.