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Observation: Electric Lake

Observation Date
2/17/2025
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Electric Lake
Location Name or Route
Electric Lake area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate to strong winds, far more noticeable than the winds in the same area yesterday. Significantly more wind transport of snow today. A 30 minute sunny period around 1:30 P.M. had full sun on all aspects.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The Monday turns were not as much fun as Sunday's turns. Some debate in our crew as to whether the top layer was a stout wind crust or was perhaps evidence of brief sun exposure on Sunday morning before the clouds rolled in at 11:30 A.M. Heavy turns in lower and more open northeast-facing terrain. Total depth at 8,860' NE-facing of 140cm. Same spot on Jan 12 had 115cm.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
On northeast facing between about 8,700' and 9,200'. Multiple collapses today. Some small, some widespread, including one that was heard and felt by three people who were 200 feet apart on the skin track. Cracking and collapsing on the skin track on the seventh or the tenth or the twelfth pass. A no-consequence reminder that multiple tracks on a face doesn't mean it won't slide when you get on it. So many traps out there.
Photo shows small collapse and cracking caused by seventh pass on the skin track.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable