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Observation: Abajo

Observation Date
2/22/2018
Observer Name
Kevin Dressel
Region
Abajos
Location Name or Route
North Creek, Cooley pass, Jackson Ridge
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Windy and cold up high on the ridge and at the pass. The clouds broke for a bit to see a few other slopes.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

12" new snow from the last 2 days. Was not up yesterday, but the day before. On Feb 20 there was 4" light density on a dirt layer. Another 12" from the last 2 days.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

I did not see any new signs of instability today. The new snow is very light and loose. Has not formed a slab, and no collapsing on the weak sugary facets on the ground. The wind was moving a lot of snow around over ridges and crossloading, and with the snow in the forecast the danger could rise.

Looking a lot better than 3 weeks ago from the same spot

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