Observation: North Slope Environs

Weather

Sky

Few

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

Another stunning, sunning day on the eastern front. Light winds, abundant sunshine, and a fresh coat of shallow, white paint.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

6"

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristics Comments

Facet-lanches entraining snow as they descend the slope are a thing in sustained, steep terrain. The NSF is now buried and preserved and something to keep an eye on.

Red Flags

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Red flag structure with NSF (for the future) and shallow wind drifts (for the now).... otherwise very straight-forward hazard.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

Shallow drifts confined to the alpine on the leeward side of ridges, gullies, chutes.... the usual suspects. Low end MODERATE hazard.