Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Joseph Esparza

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
San Gorgonio Wilderness (Big Draw Chutes)

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20220219

Time
12pm

Road conditions to area
Clear 

Temperature
45F to 50F

Sky
clear (no clouds)

Wind speed
Light (1-16mph Flags/twigs in motion)

Wind direction
N

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
not observed

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle

Elevation

Snow depth

Boot/ Ski penetration

Activity, recent avalanches
yes

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
yes

Rapid warming
yes

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Terrible conditions this weekend. Snow was mashed potatoes as soon as the sun rose up. It was a mix of powdery new snow from Tuesday's storm in the shade, and Spring slush in the sun. Under the slush/powder was a hard sheet of compacted snow/ice. About 6" of new snow above 9000'. Ridges and chutes were in decent shape, but were wind-scoured in places. Upper Big Draw was hard ice, and lower was powder/slush. 7 days of heat, and the an cold storm last week made for sketchy conditions all around. Signs or wet loose avalanches in steep sun-exposed gullies. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Big Draw Bowl

W chutes in San G as seen from Jepson North Ridge