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Observation: Abajo

Observation Date
2/23/2018
Observer Name
Kevin Dressel
Region
Abajos
Location Name or Route
North Creek/ Old Blue Mt. Ski Area
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold and mostly obscured skies until late in the day it cleared somewhat. LIght to moderate winds at lower elevations in the trees
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Very light density new snow and a lot of it.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Natural loose slough crossed the North Creek Rd. sometime shortly before I got there
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same

It's really looking like winter at the trailhead now

I turned around when I saw the loose snow avalanche that crossed the road and did some skiing at the old Blue Mountain Ski Area. Lower elevation, low angle slopes. There is barely enough snow there to ski now. About 16" on the dirt layer from Monday this week. Just over 3.5' total with all the new snow at 9,000 ft. I didn't get up very high today to see what was going on but the winds looked moderate from the South switching to the West at the weather station. I suspect a fair amount of wind loaded snow. also maybe more accumulation.

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