Observation type
Snowpack

Observer
Nicholas Moede

Keep me anonymous if published
no

Location (general area)
North Chutes of San Gorgonio

Latitude
34.10310

Longitude
-116.83299

Date (yyyymmdd)
20220316

Time
1300

Road conditions to area
Clear

Temperature
50

Sky
clear (no clouds)

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

Wind direction
not observed

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees
0

Slope angle
30

Elevation
11052

Snow depth
Not measured but would estimate 50cm average (Low tide)

Boot/ Ski penetration
None

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description
Snow pack was very stable. No signs of recent avalanches.

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
yes

Terrain trap
yes

Comment
Climbed the westerly of the San Gorgonio North Chutes and skied down. Conditions were fast and firm with icy patches and isolated small pockets of soft wind blown snow. Recent wind has scoured the face and made for treacherous conditions on steep slopes. Sastrugi and wind affected snow in most open north facing aspects. Spring like corn conditions in trees below 9,500 feet in the afternoon. Any travel above 9,500 feet should be left to expert alpine mountaineers. Slide for life conditions are present. Skiing is not recommend at higher elevations and steeper terrain. 

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

Sastrugi and wind affected snow in San Gorgonio North Chutes

View of Jepson North East Chutes showing similar wind affected conditions