Some pockets of instability were still being discovered yesterday and the intense solar input and light winds contributed to changing most snow surfaces that received solar exposure yesterday. Be aware of ncreasingly variable surface conditions including injury-inducing breakable crust. Upon forecaster investigation the skier triggered slide on the Red cone approach Thursday had slid on an East aspect where the new 40cm of snow had slid on an old melt/freeze crust over a steep rolling convex granite slab in a sheltered zone that sees a lot of sun and warming effects. Yesterday’s triggered wind slab was identified on a heavily loaded north aspect with a steep fetch zone optimal for capturing mid-slope wind transported snow. Both these slides had the potential to partially bury or fully bury someone caught in them. These events remind us to always adhere to fundamental travel protocols, constantly re-evaluating current conditions as maintaining good communication with your group.
This has not been the winter, nor the time right now with all we are dealing with, to risk serious injury by skiing carelessly with our overall thin and obstacle ridden conditions.
It is also important to practice social distancing at all times, from travelling in separate cars going to the trailhead, and keeping at least 6 feet between individuals while skinning and re-grouping. We all need to do our part in preventing the spread of this Corona Virus!