Virginia Lakes

Ski toured up Black Mountain in the Virginia Lakes area to assess snow stability, coverage, and open water concerns.

Overnight lows very warm with poor freeze. Snow coverage at the campground trailhead 3 to 5 feet. A few people overnight camping and a packed parking lot during the day. The lakes are starting to thaw with open water at the inlets and outlets (elevation ~9800’) and creeks beginning to open, snow bridges beginning to collapse, where present. No recent avalanche activity. Signs of older natural Loose Wet releases, looked to be several days old. One slide, possible cornice failure looked to have occurred in the past 48 hours, D1.5 to 2. Snow overall consolidated and thawing fast during the AM hours. A bit punch in the lower elevations near vegetation or where the snowpack is shallow. Northerly aspects rough as the snow sublimates leaving small Neve Pinnacles. Easterly and Southerly aspects smoother and likely better riding.