Observation Date
12/30/2024
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Fairview Canyon » Blind Fork » GE Hill
Location Name or Route
GE Hill
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold and windy at 10 A.M., off-and-on visibility for the next four hours. Wind never stopped, but did ease up.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The fresh snow was fast and easy to ski. The base was supportive on turns, but pole plants were still quite happy to go to the ground. Average of 100 cm total depth, so those poles could get pretty short quickly. Boot penetration to the ground during transitions is still the norm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The knob at the top of GE Hill that frequently produces natural avalanches did so again in this cycle. Visibility was tough, but looks like it was likely in the past two days. Whumphing continues to be a very frequent occurrence, including continued whumphs during subsequent trips up the same skin track. Wind was easily transporting snow, and closer to the ridgeline the tracks we put in on the first lap were mostly or completely blown in a few hours later.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
On west-facing around 8,500 feet to 9,000 feet, the base was rotten everywhere. Frequent whumphing, natural avalanches on the same aspect. The signs are pretty clear.
Comments
Did several hasty pits at 8,775 feet, west-facing, 22 degree slope. All failed on isolation. Failing on a crust about 30 cm from the ground, the top 60 cm - 70 cm of snow collapsing each time.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
