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Observation: Lake Peak

Observation Date
1/20/2017
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers » Lake Peak
Location Name or Route
Tushers --Lake Peak
Weather
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind and snow picked up during the day, tracks were blowing in every run in exposed areas
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

12" overnight and 2" during the day.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
High PI late in the day Wind was filling in ski and skin tracks every run during the afternoon. Minor soft cracking, none shooting. 1 good size collapse
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

I was not able to isolate the new snow, failures on surface facets or below a thin suncrust depending on aspect. Will increase with forecasted snow.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Snow was starting to turn to a wind slab in open areas, I would expect significant wind slabs in more exposed terrain.

The hazard is primarily new snow only in this area. I avoided all steep terrain today.

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