Winds transporting snow to the East, plumes, on the high peaks. No signs of instability in the Valley.
Observation: Portage / Placer
Location: Placer Valley
Quick ride into the Placer Valley to take a look at the wind effect and snow conditions.
Observer Comments
Weather
COLD.... -10F ish in the river valley. Winds were calm in valley but could clearly see NW to W winds at the upper elevations moving snow. Clear skies.
Snow surface
~15" of loose powder snow.
Snowpack
The 15" of powder snow sat on a breakable rain crust that punched through to 2-3 feet of loose faceted sugar snow. This made riding interesting at times.
Wind effect on the Southwesterly slopes on the Northern side of Skookum Valley - as seen from Placer Valley
Looking West toward the backside of Wolverine
Terrain that sits on the North end of Skookum Valley
Looking up at the entrance to Squirrel Flats
1Heather_Thamm9N4A8092-1