Observation Date
12/3/2015
Observer Name
Steve Cote
Region
Skyline » Fairview Canyon » Blind Fork » GE Hill
Location Name or Route
GE Hill
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Temp was just above freezing, Light winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow was loose powder, starting to get denser due to temp's in the non shaded areas. Ridge tops varied from wind packed, that would support a ski to soft or faceted snow to the ground. Shaded areas was faceted snow to the ground.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snow is so shallow that faceting of the snow will be are main problem when we get a good size storm. Except for a few locations avalanches are not a problem yet and will get harder to trigger.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Cornice
Problem #1 Comments
A storm with significant snow will load up the cornice over the weak faceted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2 Comments
Snow depth was 2 feet, 2 inches of new snow over a wind slab, under the wind slab was 6 inches of new snow. Under the new snow was a melt freeze crust. Under the crust was faceted snow getting weaker to the ground.
Millers flat snow stake shows it all just a foot of snow, at this lower location and we had just 5 cm on the storm board.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates
