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Observation: Skyline

Observation Date
2/15/2021
Observer Name
Brett Kobernik
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Bi-weekly pit
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Somewhat breezy in exposed terrain. Warm air advection produced light to moderate snowfall stacking up a couple of inches from noon to 4pm. There was a short period of riming and a wafer thin rime crust was notable.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
20"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
About 20 inches of new snow since Friday, Feb 12. The weekend storm started out with very dense snow and ended with cold dry powder. Riding conditions are excellent. Unfortunately, avalanche conditions are so dangerous that we felt we needed to avoid any steep slope and were very conscience about not getting underneath any steep slope of any sort that could potentially slide on us from above.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We did not experience any collapsing today but did get two substantial whoomps in the same area on Sunday. OBVIOUS RED FLAGS ARE BECOMING LESS "IN YOUR FACE". The biggest one is the poor snowpack structure with all the VERY loose faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. In other words, you may not see any obvious signs of instability unless you dig down and look at the faceted basal layers. Stepping off your machine or skis and punching through to the ground is also a huge red flag right now.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains our biggest concern. This weak snow is everywhere and will continue to cause problems for some time to come. Faceted snow is notoriously slow to "heal" or gain strength. In the long run, the recent storm snow and the next few storms will help strengthen these basal weak layers but they are so advanced that I'm not sure I will ever consider the snowpack completely stable this season.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,300'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments
I have had more Extended Column Tests fail on isolation (as I finish cutting out the block) this season than I can remember in previous seasons.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates