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Observation: Skyline

Observation Date
11/26/2018
Observer Name
Kobernik
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Various locations along the Skyline
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
It's still really early in the season to see how the snowpack is going to affect the avalanche conditions once people start getting into avalanche terrain. It seems like a fairly average start to the season at this point.
That said, there is some old snow from October and early November which has "faceted" and turned into that darn loose sugar snow which can produce avalanches. It is mainly on the more northerly facing slopes above about 9500'.
There was a small amount of natural avalanche activity that occurred on Saturday, Nov 24th during the last storm. Links to avalanche reports below:
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
Not the best looking snow profile (above). At least this structure is currently only present on the higher north facing terrain. Of note, I was surprised not to get any failure during an extended column test. Perhaps this weak snow is now dormant with the current snow structure. This is really only the first quick glance I've had since the Thanksgiving storm. I'll visit more locations soon.
Below: Photo of snowpit. October rain/melt-freeze crust can easily be seen.
Below are a number of photos showing what the snow cover looks like now.
Lower Staker Bowl
Wedding Ring
Spring Creek viewed from the Kite Lot at the Skyline Summit on SR 31.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate