Rode into Lynx Cr Drainage to take a look at the glide avalanche activity and the pre-storm surface conditions.
None. We had our eyes out for changing conditions as a storm was just beginning to move in.
GLIDE avalanches... We saw over 20 glide cracks today on all aspects and elevations above 2,000'. Three of these have released over a week ago and we hope to document any additional releases in the future - so let us know if you see one! Photos below.
Light snowfall and obscured skies
Wind calm in drainage
Temps in the teens
1" of new low-density snow at 2,000' by the afternoon.
*Concern is the old surface that sat under the cold/clear weather over the last 10 days. We found surface hoar (2-4mm) with a 10-15cm layer of near surface facets below. These weak layers are likely to inhibit bonding with any new snow that accumulates tonight/tomorrow. Below the facet layer is stiffer snow (1F hardness snow) that may act as a bed surface for future avalanche activity.
Total depth at 2,100' on northerly aspect was 160-130cm.
Pit, 14 degree slope, NW aspect, 2,100':
ECTN 21, 40cm down on a thin facet/buried surface hoar (2mm) layer. This layer also had CT's in the low 20's.
No other pit results.
Bottom of pack was 10-15cm of moist facets with 25-30cm of crust/strengthening facet combos above.
Snow pit at 2,100' - concerning surface conditions as new snow is on the way
Large glide crack in the center, and head, of Lynx Creek
Wider angle view for reference
Glide avalanche and cracks on west side of drainage
Glide avalanche from over a week ago running into the drainage toward Captain's Chair.