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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 2, 2022
Submitted:
December 3, 2022
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Old Growth, Skiers R Tele Bowl

Observations

Toured from Sherwin Creek Rd to 300’ below summit of Bardini. 12deg F and 20mph winds when leaving car at 0645. Much lighter winds observed in the trees.

Snow was very wind affected on exposed aspects and lighter and deeper on more E aspects. Observed some isolated collapsing along skin track and when making ski cut at top of skier’s R tele bowl. Snow sheared to a depth of 10-15 cm before dissipating into slough. No propagation observed.

New snow depth of 15 - 75 cm observed. Hasty pits showed consistent F hardness snow down to P old snow layer.

Surface conditions on descent were enjoyable, despite finding some shallow rocks and blowdown concealed by new snow. Softer, deeper snow was found on more Easterly aspects, with more scouring on N aspects. Encountered another large party that skied L tele bowl without triggering any instabilities.

Signs of Unstable Snow

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