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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 25, 2023
Submitted:
March 25, 2023
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Red Cone/Crystal Glades/Crystal Lake exit (Lk George Chute)

Observations

Toured up to Red Cone today. Probed on WNW aspect in Red Cone Bowl at 10300ft, which showed mostly a right side up snow pack with more wind buff than load, but with a slightly weaker faceted layer 100-120cm deep. No reactivity or signs of instability on our lap. Top half of the bowl was great buff and pow, the bottom was breakable and varied. Ascended back to the ridge and proved on the E aspect above Crystal Glades at 10300ft. This showed a deteriorating crust 70cm deep that was more moist than punchy, with somewhat dense snow beneath. Surface snow was soft with the occasional thin and weak melt freeze crust. We continued to descend through the Crystal Lake exit/Lake George Chute, which when probed on multiple aspects showed no significant wind slab or crusts, and skied exceptionally well with no signs of instability. Thanks to the mild winds today, the wind slab is improving but there is still evidence of stubborn slab potential in Red Cone bowl in isolated spots.

Observed Avalanches

Did you observe any avalanches? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Soft Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
10300ft
Aspect:
N
Comments:
Cornice Fall and subsequent small wind slab off top of Red Cone. There was also a D .5 wind slab on the apron between Red Cone and Hollywood Chute. Estimated same release history as the Red Cone release.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported
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