Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Anonymous

Keep me anonymous if published
yes

Location (general area)
Big Pines

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20230117

Time
1300

Road conditions to area
clear

Temperature
27F

Sky
few clouds (up to 2/8)

Wind speed
Calm (smoke rises vertically)

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North West

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle

Elevation
8200'

Snow depth

Boot/ Ski penetration

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
yes

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Lunchtime tour on Tuesday to scope out the snow that fell late Monday. This round of precip was much colder and thankfully not followed by rain or heavy winds. From 7000-7500 I'd estimate 5-8cm of soft, dry snow fell on a base of refrozen mank. Above 8k it was closer to 10-15cm.

Wind loading on NE aspects continues to be the big takeaway, with large mounds of drifted snow and pillows evident near ridgelines. One obviously wind loaded test slope I stomped on cracked immediately and propagated several feet in each direction (see photo). Other areas closer to my turnaround point at 8200ft had large cornices standing 130cm+ high.

Will continue to monitor for how the next period of dry, cool days affects the current soft snow surface.

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

test slope failure

cornice