Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

North of McCall in the Secesh Summit area near Deep Lake. The winds were strong, gusting out of the South, ripping the snow crystals off our cards while we did our test pit. Tracks were disappearing quickly, and a freezing mist was coating our goggles and the snow surface, reducing the quality of skiing just slightly with its formation of a thin rime, or zipper crust. We noticed fresh wind slabs developing and cracks in them when we walked on the ridge above the lake. On our snowmobile ride home large flakes were falling and the wind was strong enough to push you around a little on the groomer. We were cautious and were barely stepping into steeper North terrain above the lake.