Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Late start from the TH at 4500 feet and calm winds and 35F temps. A slow but rising temp. throughout up track and calm winds. Noticeable snow transport from the prior nights storm. My desire was to get to the exit / entrance from the SW chutes above NW aspect of the Morrison creek drainage to assess the snow pack and do a profile. At 6500 feet the snow pack seemed to be approx 90cm from my pole insertion. No red flags seen on the up track. Yet. At 7000ft I found a safe place to do a study pit. This was 1300'ish. As I prepared to start digging I noticed a rapid spring-like warming. Rock faces dropped snow and pinwheels began to form. A my boot pen. increased. Within 2 minutes a fog developed and visibility was 100 yds. With the big exposure above and the rapid warming. A rapid bailout was in order. Needless to say no pit profile was to be had.