Observation: White Pine Fork

Observation Date
2/19/2023
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Fairview Canyon » White Pine Fork
Location Name or Route
White Pine Fork
Weather
Weather Comments
Wind was the story of the day. Strong winds with gusts in the low 30s was moving a lot of snow in just about every direction, but predominantly from west aspects. Strongest winds we encountered were not along the ridgeline but in lower northwest-facing drainages, where the wind was ripping up slope. By the end of the day, wind had done a lot of damage, and much of the soft wonderful snow we found in the morning had moved to Colorado. There might be some limited pockets of protected soft snow to be found Monday, but those pockets will be few and far between. Encountered our first firm sastrugi of the winter by late afternoon. Pretty amazing to make it to the bottom third of February and are just now finding sastrugi of note. Guessing there will be much of that to be found Monday morning. Out of the wind, the sun was busy reminding us that March is not far off, and the sun is getting higher in the sky. Wind/no wind required more wardrobe changes than a back-up dancer at a Madonna concert. Overall, a beautiful sunny day with wonderful turns. An unexpected treat before the next storm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind crusts and stout wind pillows were forming way down from the ridgelines.
Video
Video shows cascades of snow dropping down from South Skyline toward Big Drift.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates