Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

East

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Uncomfortable, moderate East winds all day, coupled with fog and moist air made for a chilly tour in exposed terrain above 8500'. Below, the winds were calm and temps fairly mild.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Rain-Rime Crust

Red Flags

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Still getting moderate ECTP (13) in NNW facing high elevation terrain at top of basal facets. The 2-3mm facets are buried under a fairly stout 3-4 feet of snow.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

Some upper-elevation areas still have poor snowpack structure. I would not trust steep terrain with snow that you sink through to the ground if you step off the sled or where you can stick your ski pole all the way through the snowpack and through weak snow near the ground.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

Winds blowing from the east picked up steam this afternoon and could form fresh drifts on lee slopes and in and around terrain features.

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

9,000'

Slope Angle

20°