Public Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Attempted to skin up and ski Lake Fork peak. Turned around at the base of the couloir due to terrible visibility and flat light in the morning.

Snow was light and unconsolidated; at 12,000 feet this storm dumped 7-8” of new snow. No visible signs of any wind loading or cross loading (but again, terrible visibility for the morning portion so we could’ve just missed it). New snow could be a concern once the sun comes out and starts to bake it.

Didn’t dig a proper pit, but hand pit test results taken periodically on the way up were what you’d expect with a new storm this late in the season: light, unconsolidated snow on top of a frozen crust from the last melt freeze cycle that hasn’t had a chance to melt again due to the new coverage.