Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Yesterday, the PAC toured up to point 8302, just south of Beaverdam peak in the Lick creek zone. Evidence of wet loose avalanches was observed from previous days. The amount of debris found underneath shaded, north-facing terrain was impressive and a testament to the heatwave we've experienced since Wednesday. We encountered a variety of snow surfaces, most prolific was the melt-freeze crust on multiple elevation bands. The snow underneath the crust was dry and soft at several locations. South-facing trees were where we found the wettest snow with saturation 3-4 inches below the snow surface. The melt-freeze crust did not soften and break down by 2 PM yesterday on east-facing terrain from 8000 feet to 6000 feet.