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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 27, 2023
Submitted:
February 28, 2023
Zone or Region:
Bishop Creek
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Bishop Creek (west aspect @ 8420’)

Observations

Toured out to Bishop Creek yesterday as the storm was rolling back in. We observed snow (PPir) at an S1 rate from the time we left the trailhead at 07:00 until we returned at 11:45. Winds were Light to Moderate from the N to NW transporting some snow from the surface as well as the snow falling. Near the creek crossing we experienced several Whumphs as well as one on the slope we skied but no shooting cracks.

At 10:35 on a West aspect at 8420’ we dug a hasty pit to find a very right side up snowpack. Sky was OVC, Moderate winds from the NW, snow was blowing, snow (PPir) was falling at S1 rate, Tair -7c, HS 150cm, PenB 90cm, PenS 40cm, Surf Form/Size DFbk 0.1-0.3mm.

50cm of fist hard storm snow (DFdc 0.1-0.3mm) over a Fist hard Rounding Facet Layer (FCxr 1.0-2.0mm). We did one CT with a result of CT27 RP @50cm down on the rounding facet layer.

Signs of Unstable Snow

Did you see shooting cracks? 
No
Did you experience collapsing or whumpfing? 
Yes, Isolated

Media

CT at 8420’ on a West aspect in Bishop Creek
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