Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

I skied two separate areas. The Cherry Creek drainage and the shoulder above it had a very thin snowpack with pretty difficult skiing. Lots of partially or barely buried trees, logs, and rocks. The second area was a north-facing slope below Galena peak that had significantly more snow and a lot better skiing. The snow depth was over 1 meter above 9000' on north aspects. The wind was blowing 10-15 mph on ridge tops and actively transporting snow. I felt one collapse at 9,500' on heavily wind affected snow on a ridge top. Trail breaking was difficult in areas where wind deposited snow was thigh deep. The snowpack below 8000' was heavy and wet and temps were warm at lower elevations. The snow up high skied really well.