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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 28, 2020
Submitted:
February 28, 2020
Observer:
SAC - Lundy
Zone or Region:
Banner Summit
Location:
NE corner of Banner Summit zone

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Bottom Line

This was primarily a terrain recon/familiarization outing without much new stability data to report. Snowpack is generally stable and no avalanche problems were observed.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Wind:
Moderate , SW

Temps were very warm on sunny, sheltered slopes. At upper elevations, moderate winds kept things a bit cooler. There is very little snow available for transport except on the shadiest of slopes.

Avalanche Observations

Didn't see a ton of steep, rocky, solar terrain but no significant wet loose slides observed.

Snowpack Observations

Snowpack seemed a bit thinner in this portion of the zone. The average HS on mid to upper elevation shady slopes was 150-170cm. 20-30cm of weaker snow at the ground could be felt with a probe. Surfaces were less faceted than expected, even on solar E. Perhaps warm temps and inversions are helping to strengthen the surface layers. The weakest surface snow was 15-20cm down that would produce a somewhat clean hand shear. With little snow in the forecast, these surfaces are likely to continue to change before they become a concern.

Avalanche Problems

No problems observed. Suspect the WL was as forecast - guessing based on temps/sun you could probably have started a small wet loose if you went looking for it. Did not observe any wind slab issues even on wind-exposed 9000' peak.

Terrain Use

Terrain choices were dictated more by work context and solo travel than by avalanche conditions.

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