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Observation: Miller Flat

Observation Date
3/5/2023
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Left Fork Huntington Canyon » Miller Flat
Location Name or Route
Miller Flat
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Sky went from total whiteout in the morning to full sunny by 3 P.M. Snow fell steadily from about 1 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. Big story was the wind, which lasted longer than this morning's NOAA forecast had suggested. Snow was moving all over the place before about 11 A.M., and continued to move all day. By 11:30 A.M. on low elevation meadows in Miller Flat we were finding fresh drifts of more than two feet. On the east-facing ridge at about 9,600' there were many hollow-sounding wind pillows.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Measured 6-8 inches of storm snow by 3 P.M. in mid-slope protected areas, far more than I was seeing at the snow cam stakes. Once off the ridge, the snow quickly became joyous fluff. Along the ridge, it was showing a wind coating, but not breakable and not terrible to ski. Exiting up some gentle west-facing at 5 P.M., the snow as starting to dampen the fine powder. I suspect the sun was out long enough to affect all open west-facing. But north, east and even south should be fun in the morning.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Dug two pits on adjacent steep slopes with minimal consequence, both at 8,970'. One was west-facing, 37 degree, and the other was east facing, 38 degree. Both had a stout crust about 90 cm down, so stout that the east-facing was hard to shovel through. Total depth on each was in the 210-220 cm range. The west facing was ECT 22, the east-facing ECT 11, both shearing with energy on a 5 cm thick crust that was 90 cm down, or about 130 cm from the ground. Agreed that if you are looking for trouble, best bet is steep east-facing. Would expect that steep east-facing to be problematic Monday morning, especially given the forecast for 30+ mph gusts from the west much of the night.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable