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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
December 4, 2022
Submitted:
December 4, 2022
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Punta Bardini

Observations

Went for a short tour in the Punta Bardini zone this afternoon. Heavy winds and rapid surface snow transport were obvious from the parking area, and the skin track from earlier in the day was completely covered when I left my car around 1230. I ascended the ridge between the two Tele Bowls, generally following my track from two days ago. Unlike then, I did not observe any shooting cracks today, though I did observe deep whumpfing and isolated collapsing from ~8,600' to 9,000', where I dug a pit.

The pit was on a 30 degree, north facing slope. Total snow depth was ~120 cm; facets from the ground to 45 cm; 1F crust from 45-46 cm; F from 46-110 cm; consolidated wind crust from 110-120 cm. CT7 @ 46 cm.

Signs of Unstable Snow

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