Observation: Skyline

Observation Date
1/2/2014
Observer Name
Kobernik
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Central Skyline
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
Nice day with mild temps and calm winds. Didn't even notice a distinct wind direction.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Yep, it's all out there except true powder. Quite nice riding conditions in many areas still.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
This is a red flag for down the road if we ever get a significant new snow load. It's not much of a concern right now.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Total depths around the Skyline average around 2 feet. Most of this snow is faceted sugary snow from the surface to the ground. The snow near the ground is the worst with fairly large grains that are very loose when you push your hand into it.

There is just a little strength left in the middle of the pack allowing for ok snowmachine travel and ski/snowboard conditions. However, my track dropped through the entire pack in most areas.

Below is a photo of the large grained faceted snow in the bottom part of the snowpack. The snow grain is still in the snowpack and the photo was taken with a microscope pointed at the snowpit wall. You can clearly see the angles which act much like sugar.

There is not much avalanche danger on the Skyline right now. Exceptions would be lee slopes that have received wind deposited snow.

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