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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 1, 2023 - March 1, 2023
Submitted:
March 1, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Lick Creek Area
Location:
Lower lick creek

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
Yes
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
None Experienced
small micro terrain features had minor cracking of new snow but no movement. Small wind slabs on west aspect of ridge from east winds. Observed recent slide on SE aspect from across the drainage.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Good
Confidence in Rating: 
Moderate
Stability Trend: 
Improving

Bottom Line

Found overall stable conditions on a west aspect, with average 6 inches of new snow. Main concerns were freshly formed wind slabs and pockets of buried surface hoar. Fortunately did not encounter either in my travels. Isolated cracking in micro terrain features.

Media

Isolated cracking in micro terrain features
Thick solar crust on SE aspect at 6800’ underneath the new 6 inches.
East wind scouring along the ridges
Small wind slab on west aspect

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Partly Cloudy
Temperature:
24
Wind:
Moderate , NE

Early morning sun gave way to clouds midday with clearing again in the afternoon.

Avalanche Observations

 #  Date Location Size Type Bed Sfc Depth Trigger Comments Photo
1 Past 24 hours
SE 7000’ 		D1 SS O-Old Snow 12 inches N-Natural Looked like north winds had loaded a small sub ridge and broke yesterday afternoon.
Small slide observed from across valley.

Did not see any other avalanches. Did not have much loose snow sluffs when skiing steep terrain.

Snowpack Observations

Did not dig a pit. Hand sheers at 6800’ showed better bonding on a NW aspect (softer snow underneath the new 6 inches) than on a SW aspect (hard solar crust underneath the new 6 inches)

Terrain Use

Decided to avoid due north (possibly buried surface hoar) and stick with a west aspect. Avoided any wind affected terrain and was mindful of any loose snow sluffs. After easing into the terrain, felt comfortable in a large avalanche path in steep terrain.

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