No recent avalanches, cracking or collapsing observed. Biggest red flag was rapid loading toward the end of the day.
Observation: Turnagain
Location: Sunburst
Sunburst parking lot to 2200′ on common up track.
1-2″ new snow at the parking lot and snowing .5 – 1″/ hour during daylight hours.
4-6″ new snow above 1500′ from Wednesday night/ Thursday.
8-10″ new snow at 2000′ from Wednesday night/ Thursday.
Observer Comments
Weather
Storm started producing around 9am. Wind was gusting from the East in the 20-25mph range at treeline.
Temps were cold enough to support snow at sea level.
Sea Level: 34 degrees
1000': 31 degrees
2200': 26 degrees
Snow surface
Surface is comprised of unconsolidated storm snow (powder). Storm snow gets deeper as you head from south to north (Tin Can has been favored with the Johnson pass side receiving significant less) and increase in elevation.
Did not make it above 2200' today because of poor visibility but we just started to feel and notice wind effected snow at this elevation.
Snowpack
Dug a snowpit at 2200' (see photo): HS=110cm. NW aspect on a 23 degree slope. ECTX x 2. Pre-storm faceted snow is showing signs of rounding (strengthening). Storm snow seems to be bonding fairly well at this elevation.
Snowpack structure @ 2200' on Sunburst.
Alder on the Sunburst approach looking mighty heavy!