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Observation type
Snowpack

Observer

Anonymous

Keep me anonymous if published
yes

Location (general area)
Kratka Ridge

Latitude

Longitude

Date (yyyymmdd)
20200314

Time
1030

Road conditions to area
Clear - no road closures

Temperature
33F

Sky
Obscured (fog or base layer prevents view of sky)

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

Wind direction
SW

Wind direction in degrees

Slope aspect
North

Aspect in degrees

Slope angle
25-30

Elevation
7000ft

Snow depth
variable

Boot/ Ski penetration

Precipitation
None

Activity, recent avalanches
No

Brief description

Whumphing noises, shooting cracks. collapsing
no

Rapid warming
no

Obvious avalanche path
no

Terrain trap
no

Comment
Headed to Kratka for a tour on Saturday 3/14 with the hope of finding some fresh turns from the precipitation earlier in the week. There appeared to be 20-30cm of new snow from the storm, but upon arrival at ~10:30AM it was 33F, overcast and beginning to mist lightly. Wind was blowing from the SW, which was only noticeable at the ridge (where rime ice was visible on the trees); no evidence of snow transport on the lee side of the hill, likely on account of the heavy, wet snow. Skiing was tough in the thick, rain-saturated snow, but there were a few good turns to be had on the open N aspect bowls. At time of departure (~13:00) it was 35F and rain was picking up to a steady drizzle.

We returned Sunday 3/15 and were met with a punchy rain crust and terrible skiing. Any snow (graupel?) that fell overnight was thoroughly saturated by the time we arrived at 10:00AM.

Publish this observation
Yes I would like this observation Published

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