WARM. Summit Snotel recorded above freezing temps all day yesterday and today (32-37). Light rain drizzle in the morning transitioned to clearing skies around noon. SE wind noted on ridge at 2600’ transporting snow and filling ski tracks.
Observation: Summit
Location: Raven Ridge
10:40-15:45
Very warm tour up Ravel Ridge from the Manitoba lot.
Weather
Snow surface
Wet and saturated surface up to 1300’. Increased ski quality above 1800’. Settled dense powder in trees. Supportable and breakable wind board/crust above tree line at 2600’.
Snowpack
Snow pit at 2500’ on protected west facing slope. 185cm HS. ECTX. Did not isolate melt/freeze or other weak layers towards the bottom of the snowpack.
Supportable wind board, ~6” thick on top of unconsolidated snow, at 2700’ failed hand shear on isolation. No shooting cracks or whumphing noted.
Fresno
A close up of wind effect on Fresno
Spirit Walker
Manitoba
Supportable wind board on leeward side of ridge.
Wind transported snow at 2pm filling ski tracks.
Colorado