Observation: Skyline

Observation Date

12/28/2012

Observer Name

Darce Trotter/ Steve Cote

Region

Skyline

Location Name or Route

Lower Electric Lake Area

Weather

Sky

Broken

Weather Comments

clear and cold, this last storm finished up cold and with relatively little wind. scalloping of low density snow was widespread, but considering the low density, it was not moved around nearly as much as could have occurred with usual winds

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

Excellent conditions in last storm, lighter winds, dropping temps, right side up pack now, things have improved markedly, sheltered areas have a much more promising snowpack structure, but getting around will be difficult until settling firms things up. snowmobiles limited to low angle and flats, being able to climb or get into more extreme terrain will have to wait, right now you could spend your day getting machines unstuck rather that riding. Trail breaking was slow and we had to stick to the steeper terrain to even more through the new snow while still avoiding anything over about 30 degrees,

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Red Flags Comments

see GE hill avalanche we spotted. While we did not experience any collapsing on any of our travels, another skier following us up reported stepping off the uptrack and jumping on a steeper area near some trees and did note collapsing in one place/ Pack is right side up, but low density new snow 16" to 24" deep leaves a lot of snow available for transport when the winds do pick up. cold temperatures are preserving the snow well, and slowing settlement, but cones around small aspens and on our interval board seem to point to some settling. New snow seems well bonded to Christmas Eve Storm snow, but we also noted some sluffing in the low density snow on very steep cuts and slopes. We agreed that at least in the area we were in, the facets are getting buried deep enough with stronger thicker bridge developing all leading to overall improvement in stability and conditions

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

any increase in winds will transport a lot of snow and create sensitive wind slabs on NE through SE slopes

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

New Snow

Problem #2 Comments

feel tine hazard is starting to lessen, but in steep windloaded terrain, stepping down to deep slab is still a very real threat, saving grace is limited access and ability to get into most of it. The exception would be approach from windward side low angle and dropping inot such terrain from the top, not unheard of, but not a usual route. Hazard remains considerable in high elevation steep windloaded terrain NE through SE aspects

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

9,200'

Slope Angle

26°