Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball

Observation: Huntington Canyon

Observation Date
12/28/2015
Observer Name
Brett Kobernik
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon
Location Name or Route
Sulpher Spring Glade
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We were down in mid elevations of Huntington Canyon so wind speed and direction may not be very representative of other areas.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Surface conditions not effected by the recent northwest and northeast wind except right along the ridgeline.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I would call the collapsing and cracking "localized". The collapsing was not the large type that makes you pucker but rather a minor sound in a small area. We noted some cracks and the poor snowpack structure with the very weak snow near the ground was no doubt what caused the collapse.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

The weak snow near the ground still scares me. I'll let it sit and stabilize more before I get into my favorite upper elevation more northerly facing terrain. Ultimately, I'd like to see another good storm with no avalanches breaking into the old snow before I feel real comfortable about the weak snow near the ground.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
8,800'
Slope Angle
35°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable