Observation: Turnagain

Location: Superbowl, Goldpan, Bertha Creek

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Weather
No precip
Calm winds
Clear skies with occasional patches of valley fog
Temps in the teens with significant heating on sunlit aspects

Obvious Signs of Instability
Recent avalanches-yes. Low volume loose snow avalanches on a variety of aspects
in steep terrain (>40deg), both natural and human triggered
No shooting cracks
No collapsing/whoompfing

Surface Obs
2-4″ light density snow
Widespread surface hoar, more pronounced above 2,000′. Sun was strong enough to
melt down surface hoar today.

Current Problems
Large cornices are hanging above mainly South aspects. Likelihood of triggering
is low and consequences are high. Predictability of cornice release is very
challenging. Solar heating will increase likelihood.
Loose snow avalanches are wet and low volume on South (see video) and dry and
low volume on North. Easy to trigger on terrain above 40 degrees

Future Problems
Surface hoar has begun to grow on many aspects and is better developed above
2,000′. We will track this layer over the next several days of forecasted clear
weather. This layer could be a problem when it gets buried by the next storm cycle.

Photos & Video
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