Observation: West Monitor

Persistent Weak Layer

Same

Today’s tour focused on high-elevation ridgelines and familiar terrain. Despite a combined 80 years of local experience between my partner and I, we witnessed a breach of mountain safety protocol and terrain management that was truly unprecedented. Observations & Instability: While breaking trail below The Sneak on the North side after skiing SM we experienced two localized collapses. Although we were on a low-angle ascent protected by timber, the feedback was clear. As we gained elevation toward the ridge, we triggered two more significant, wide-travelling collapses (whumpfs) approximately 100 vertical feet below the crest, near the final switchback where the pitch mellows. The snowpack is clearly communicating high sensitivity and poor structure. Summary: Instability noted on North aspects. Dangerous travel choices observed in West Monitor.