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Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
February 21, 2023
Submitted:
February 22, 2023
Observer:
Everett Phillips | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Lee Vining
Location:
Lee Vining Canyon

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Key Points

Went out to see how much snow we got in the northern part of the zone toay and to check on wind slab development near treeline

  • We got about 10cm of new snow in the past 24 hours in Lee Vining Canyon
  • Wind was blowing the low density new snow around, but in this area surface snow was not cohesive even where wind affected
  • My skis were in touch with the old snow throughout the tour. Ski pen was 5-15cm.
  • Up to 10400′ there were strong (3cm) thick melt-freeze crust on SE and S ascpects. Thinner sun crusts were found on E aspects.
  • Below 8000′ melt-freeze and temperature crusts were found on all aspects.
  • No signs of instability

Media

10,000' Dana Plateau HN:5-15cm Non-cohesive, blowing snow, but limited wind drifting
Scattered snow showers in Lee Vining Canyon.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Obscured
Temperature:
4 F @ 10400', 1:30 PM
Wind:
Moderate , W

Cold. Moderate west wind NTL. Moderate blowing snow obscuring visibility, but limited wind slab formation observed in this area.

Snowpack Observations

10400′, E aspect

HS: 175, HN: 10cm, Boot: 20cm Ski: 10cm

Strong MF crust and wind board under non-cohesive wind blown new snow.

 

9000′, N aspect

HS: 210cm, HN: 10cm Boot: 35cm Ski: 15cm

Strong layers under weak top 30-40cm.

 

7700′, N aspect

HS: 140cm HN: 5cm Boot: 75cm Ski:20cm

Weak snow with crusts in the top 15cm, very little new snow.

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