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Professional Observation

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 8, 2023 - March 8, 2023
Submitted:
March 8, 2023
Observer:
Pro
Zone or Region:
Warm Lake area
Location:
Landmark

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
Isolated
Collapsing? 
Isolated
Minor isolated cracking, mostly crusts above rotting facets. Two moderately large collapses as with the cracking the crust/facet sandwich on solar aspects is likely the culprit. Some loose snow sluffing on steep, lower elevation slopes.

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Fair
Confidence in Rating: 
Low
Stability Trend: 
Worsening

Bottom Line

Bottom line in this area is a thin and rotted snowpack which is typical for this area which needs to be treated with a micro-climate approach. It is the only area in the County that appears to have a continental type snowpack this season.
My partners and I all agreed we would not get on any big, exposed steep lines in this area.

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Mostly Cloudy
Wind:
Light , W

Snow showers and clouds arrived mid afternoon.

Avalanche Observations

A few concerns in this area:

A thin rotted snowpack, the potential for booby-traps is high considering the burns in the area and associated deadfall,
I think there is potential for difficult sledding due to a rotted, generally, non-supportive snow pack at the low elevations (below 6,500' or so)
Right now, the hazard is not alarming, that being said, if the current forecast of snow/rain and loading verifies, I would not be surprised to see a natural cycle and high hazard in this area (e.g., future red flag...).

Snowpack Observations

No pits needed when you can punch your pole to the ground.

Terrain Use

The only areas we would have avoided were steep exposed lines.

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