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Weather Summary

Cold temps all day, high stratus clouds limited solar radiation input somewhat but enough sun to cast shadows for most of the day. Winds were light and variable.

Avalanche Observations

Map of listed avalanches: Avalanche Observation Comments:

Continuing to observe aftermath of 1/13 storm, which includes large to very large avalanches on upper elevation slopes and large avalanches in more sheltered, middle elevation terrain.

Snowpack Observations

HS= 110-120cm, 12/11 down 70-80cm. ECTs produced ECTNs with hard force at 12/21 rain crust, and one ECTX and one ECTP at 12/11, in both cases after I exceeded standard loading steps. CPST 33 and 34/100, PST 35/100 x2, all to END on 12/11. 12/11 interface is gaining strength in this area, but this is happening slowly. A dry, 4-6cm interval of F+ FC/DH caps this layer. Xtals are showing signs of rounding but continuing to produce concerning results in stability tests. If the coming storm brings a rapid, heavy enough load to this area I'd anticipate this layer will produce more large, natural avalanche activity in areas with this type of snowpack.

Snow at surface (5-7cm since end of 1/13 storm) is significantly faceted, particularly below level of inversion. As observed in many other locations in past 10 days, upper elevations and many middle elevations got worked over by the wind during extended wind event on 1/13 and 1/14. Here, a slick, icy surface is sitting underneath the faceted new snow, a combination that will likely get touchy quickly with loading.