Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Cracking

Poor Snowpack Structure

We took a short trip up lower Bunchgrass Creek to check out the snowpack and experience the full-on winter storm firsthand. A few things are important to note as we head into the weekend... a) storm snow seems to have a lot of sluffing potential b) new snow/old snow interface is bonding poorly c) as reported/observed, the new snow is dense. It is also very slow. Therefore, it is tempting to jump on steeper/dangerous terrain to make turning worthwhile d) wind slabs are forming in unusual places, making for tricky route finding e) the snowpack structure remains poor. As previous observers have mentioned, I'm worried that the new snow will slide and step down to lower layers. I fear this is a real possibility this weekend... and beyond