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Observation: Abajos

Observation Date
3/20/2020
Observer Name
Kevin Dressel
Region
Abajos
Location Name or Route
North Creek Pass
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mostly obscured visibility but in some areas the sky would break briefly. Moderate snowfall off and on with mostly light wind with some moderate gusts
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Total of 12" at 10000' from the past 2 days and a couple more up higher, plus about 2" during the day. Medium heavy snow with a slight density inversion. About 3" on top was a little heavier. Could feel it breaking trail and making turns but was still good skiing.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Comments
Got a glimpse of the slide on The Horsehead that went naturally yesterday. It looked to be just the new snow. The report from yesterday seemed pretty accurate as far as I could tell. About 100' wide E facing and ran the full length down to where it flattens out. It wasn't the main shot off the peak, but down the ridge skiers left.
Where my partner and I were skiing the new snow seemed to be bonded pretty well except for the 3" of heavier snow on top separated fairly easy.
Photos are of the Horsehead slide but the lighting was poor
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable