Observation: Skyline 1/21/2010

Observer Name: 
Grant Helgeson
Region: 
Skyline
Observation Date: 
01/21/2010
Weather
Sky: 
Overcast
Precipitation: 
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Weather Comments: 

Weather was all over the map toady.  Winds were at a constant moderate speed, blowing from the S-SW through S-SE through the day.  In the late afternoon winds started coming out of the E.  Light snowfall all day.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth: 
6"
New Snow Density: 
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions: 
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristic Comments: 

The much needed new snow has really helped to freshen things up.  Total storm depths were 12" at 10,000 feet as of Thursday.  Snow is slightly upside down.  Regardless, it's made for some great riding and turning conditions.  Moderate winds are wreaking havac on the light new snow, fresh sensitive wind slabs were observed on N, NW & NE facing aspects.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Red Flag Comments: 

Steve and I got a very large collapse on a due N facing slope midday.  We observed a few naturals but they were running only in the new snow, just below the rain lens.  My biggest concern is the continued wind loading, not only for the fresh wind slabs it's creating, but for the continued pressure it's putting on the very weak depth hoar near the ground. 

Primary Concern

Primary Concern: 
Wind Slabs
Aspect: 
North
Northeast
East
Northwest
Elevation: 
High
Mid
Trend: 
Same

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern: 
Persistent Slabs
Aspect: 
North
Northeast
East
Northwest
Elevation: 
High
Mid
Trend: 
Same
snow_profile_location: 
Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Fresh cornices were very sensitive.  Two kicks sent this one down slope.

IMG_0230.JPG
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Observed Danger Rating: 
Considerable
Forecast Danger Rating: 
High

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