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Observation: Skyline Summit

Observation Date
11/28/2016
Observer Name
Brett Kobernik
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Left Fork Huntington Canyon » Skyline Summit
Location Name or Route
Fairview to Huntington Canyons
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Strong wind along the Skyline Summit area. Well behaved off the higher ridges.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

By 12pm 7" of snow had fallen since 5am. Total depths were more than I anticipated. At 1pm, I measured snow at various locations along SR31:

  • ​Skyline weather station - 18"
  • Miller Flat parking lot - 25"
  • Candland Trailhead - 25"

Total depths at Miller Flat and Huntington Canyon (Candland TH) were what caught my attention.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
While walking through the snow to take measurements I definitely noticed an "inverted" feel to the snowpack. My boots would punch through a stiffer layer into a softer layer near the ground. This was easily discernable with quick hand pits also. I noticed this at all of the locations I stopped at.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

I am not sure if the inverted layering I found is relevant to any widespread instability. It caught my attention though. It was enough warning to stay clear of the steep slopes although visibility didn't allow for any real travel anyway. I'll take a close look for this type of layering once the storm clears and I can travel around more.

Comments

I was able to see that a cornice had broken off along The Big Drift. It did not look like it triggered anything below it.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable