Observation: Towhead

Observation Date
2/6/2022
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Birch Creek » South Fork Birch Creek » Towhead
Location Name or Route
Towhead
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Bluebird with light to moderate winds unless you were on the ridge. Morning winds from the N, afternoon winds from W/SW.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Sastrugi hell. On the west-facing subridge off South Skyline, kilometers of sastrugi. Some soft, some firm and very fast, some ice, some with 18 inch wind scallops, some with a 1 inch crust over sugar. On the South Skyline watched snowmobiles travel over portions of sastrugi that was so firm that the sled tracks left no marks. Very, very unpleasant skinning. Other than that, disappointed to find the north-facing line we headed for to be wind-scoured to the point that it was mostly slide for life conditions. Moderately tree protected, so we were expecting better. About a mile away on Saturday found the same aspect and elevation with deep (28 cm) sugar that was a hoot to ski. Did find some surprisingly fun east facing at about 9,200'. One very short west-facing glade with sugar, but most of the west was crust under aspens. Southwest terraces were sastrugi and sun crusts. Time for some snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low