Observation Date:
January 16, 2023
Submitted:
January 16, 2023
Observer:
Barbara Wanner | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Lee Vining
Location:
June Mountain off piste wind loading
Recent Avalanches?
None Observed
Cracking?
Widespread
Collapsing?
None Experienced
Stability Rating:
Poor
Confidence in Rating:
High
Stability Trend:
Worsening
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.