High-pressure continues to bath the region in unseasonably warm temperatures and with the sun continuing to climb higher into the winter sky, the solar radiation is now strong enough to add some heat to the snowpack. The snow at lower elevations is receding and thinning in response to the recent warm spell while mid and upper elevations solar aspects have developed a melt/freeze crust that varies in maturity and supportiveness depending aspect, elevation, and solar exposure. The last snowfall we received was on 1/9, which was a nice respite from the dry and dusty conditions that has dominated the recent weather across the west. Post-storm winds increased Wednesday (1/10) forming stubborn Wind Slabs throughout the eastern Sierra, resulting in a small skier triggered release reported on the 11th near Crystal Lake and numerous naturals along the Crest and Virginia Lakes. Thursday, light snow showers moved into the region briefly along with moderate to strong Southwest winds leaving a dusting of snow in middle and upper elevations and a thin wind crust and Wind Slabs in its wake. Since then, unseasonably warm temperatures have helped settle the recent storm snow. The recent snowfall adds to the complexity of the snowpack, especially on cooler northerly slopes. The deeper early season snowpack consists of alternating layers of melt/freeze crusts and faceted sugar snow, which are poorly bonded and can be found below the new snow in the snowpack. The recent reports of Whumphing near Duck Pass illustrate the complexity of the snowpack and the varied spatial distribution of the Persistent Slab problem. In areas where the snowpack is exceptionally thin, large facet crystals can be found near ground. The persistent slab problem will likely continue for a while. With that in mind, it is important to assess the snow stability of the terrain before committing to ride. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully and identify areas of concern.
