(In regards to initial storm event 1/10 and next am) - overall impressed by lack of developing windslab in elevations up to 10900 (i.e. no discernable slab in pits, no propogation, no significant hand pit results.
However, with 10cm of new low density snow,lots available for transport. I suspect, lots of new movement possible since exiting on 1/13.
Primary concern for weekend was low tide conditions and obstacles at or just below snow surface.
Skiing in high alpine >11k not happening - either totally scoured from NW wind events prior to this storm cycle, or the isolated touchy windslab.
3/10- 3/11 -- about 8-10cm overnight at yurt location. low density. ample snow for transport.
at yurt elevation still generally very thin (< 50cm ) with barely covered obstacles- BTL primarily FC overlying basal advanced facets
many solar aspects at mid bare to ground prior to snow on 1/10
In protected aspects on N side of compass - 60-80HS. structure highly variable with subtle changes of aspect or angle of incidence with sun. upper: F- 1F windslab (isolated in predictable locations). mid pack - sometimes buried FCsf, sometimes crust combo's. no real consistent nor readily recognizable LOC. lower pack - basal FC 2-3 in most locaions but wet.
scoured to ground in most high alpine locations.
Problem | Location | Distribution | Sensitivity | Size | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wind Slab |
|
10800 either scoured or developing more touchy windslab with collapsing.
surprisingly decent quality snow just a bit ATL with minimal wind effect on 1/11
best quality skiing mod elevations on N aspects