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Observation: Miller Flat

Observation Date
12/21/2012
Observer Name
Darce Trotter/ Steve Cote
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Big Meadow
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
cool clear day, the winds had abated for the day
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
new/snow from last storm is right side up in sheltered areas and total depth has reached a supportable level for the most part and with careful terrain selection good skiing/sledding is to be had. I will let Craig and Trents observations address the spacial variability along with significant wind loading and the monsters in the basement. My point is safe terrain and good snow conditions are to be found but the overall hazard cannot be ignored. This is our assessment of the slope we skiied today and what we selected to ski based on our history of the area and observations today.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
we experienced significant big collapses today, not many, but when we did, they were loud and obvious. we also noted settlement cracks that had occurred earlier in the week, and did demonstrate some energy had been released, but not all areas were the same. the area we skied had obvious windowpane cracking patterns covering large areas, but I did have one small settling while skiing on terrain < 25 degrees. most of this would seem to pale in comparison with the activity in Phone Shot Bowl that released during the day, wall to wall, the entire snowpack down to facets
Avalanche Problem #1
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
the continuing remote release activity spooks me into continuing to avoid terrain the is connected to anything that is steep, windloaded, on the shady side of the compass, and known rocky areas. this stuff is not to be trusted. the forecast windy and warmer Saturday may add to increasing hazard
Comments
heres a look at the fractures and cracks in the snow surface in the Big Meadow.
here are our stabliity tests on the slope we skied
Video
slope angle is everything, along with what is connected
total at miller flat today, upper levels are settling