Observation: Public

Observation Details

Observed Avalanches

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Took the long way to FFF (hippie terrain north of Three-way Peak). We skinned the Silver Creek trail up to Bear Gap, down to Henskin Lake, then up to FFF. It was mostly cloudy with the occasional sun break. No precipitation other than the slow drizzle from the snow melting from the trees.

Along the way, we observed wet loose avalanches. Not the ever present rollerballed slopes (as one would expect on a warm or sunny day) but the distinct fanout pattern of natural wet slides triggered below rocky outcroppings or the occasional large tree bomb on steeper, named runs (see pictures).

FFF rode like a wet sock. Ended up skinning downhill to the top of Quicksilver. Counterintuitively, east faces probably would have rode better, with their dense crusts perfectly ripened by the warm, humid ambient air.

Spring is finally here folks. Large cornice failures will probably only add to the mess next week. Lower temps will only create frozen minefields. It's time to go higher. Luckily, the roads will open soon.