Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Key Points

Skied at June Mountain today but took several forays out of bounds.

• Winds were blowing from the NW at moderate speed. Occasional gust to strong.
• Widespread blowing snow both rolling along the snow surface and saltation. Occasional turbulent suspention that obscured our vision temporarily.
• The snow felt dense and wind compressed in open areas. Light in sheltered trees.
• New wind drifts were building quickly. Tracks started blowing in right away.
• Stepped on many reactive wind pillows and small cornices and created shooting cracks almost every time.
• I noticed some really big wind drifts with cornices building in unusual, even low angle places places.
• There is so much snow available for transport. So as long as it is windy, we will see instability due to wind transported snow increase.
• Pulled some hand shear blocks off with easy force. 40 to 50 cm deep, new snow that fell over night. Dense, F+ to 4F wind affected snow.