Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Ski toured on Jughandle on Sunday, 1/30/22. The temperature rose 12 degrees between the valley floor and the trailhead as we drove through the inversion around 0900.
Plenty of surface hoar was present in shady, protected areas at lower and mid-elevations in the morning. The north-facing terrain off the summit was wind affected so we opted for W and NW aspects, where we found soft snow within 1,000 vertical feet of the ridgeline.

By early afternoon, snow with any southern exposure had started to turn wet and heavier. Signs of roller balls from previous days were present on W and SW aspects, some traveling several hundred vertical feet. Minimal winds all morning, with light breezes at the summit and lots of sun. Temperatures warmed throughout the day, with valleys noticeable colder than other areas.