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Observation: Tushers

Observation Date
1/8/2017
Observer Name
Toddeo
Region
Southwest » Tushers
Location Name or Route
Tushers
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Yikes! damp day. I was in the fog for most of it. Graupel was falling when I arrived but then subsided. Total whiteout in the alpine.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

2 rain crusts separated by a medium density ppt particles. About an inch of graupel on top. The lower crust was supportable.

Snow below 9500' was saturated from rain.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Some wind loading and fresh drifts not very sensitive. Rain on snow below 9500' My main concern is the layer between the crust, this is a future red flag, the snow may facet and then could be preserved by the crusts. If the crusts decompose the facets may become reactive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wet snow is what I would worry about today.

Considerable danger below 9500'

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Wind slabs above 9500'.

Moderate danger.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

Snowpit photo below. Of note are the crusts. Basal facets are at base of ski pole. 2nd photo is of the crusts,

ECTPV at base if 1st crust on ppt particles. ECTN for remainder of pit. Solid mid pack and basal facets do not look very alarming but worth noting since they feel hollow when pole is pushed to ground.

HS - 50'

Photos below:

1. basal facets

2. Grains below lower crust, these are only very slightly damp, my guess is rain fell as freezing rain.

3. Grains in between crusts, these may concern me in the future.

Photo below: Iced rime.

Hard call on the danger. Above 9500' I would say moderate. Below 9500' Considerable. This could vary significantly with a change in the rain/snow/ice line.

Skiing was so good today I decided to take the time for a detailed snow pit!

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates