Professional Observation
Basic Information
Observation Details
Observation Date:
March 17, 2021 - March 17, 2021Submitted:
March 18, 2021Observer:
WAC - Michael HatchZone or Region:
ElkhornsLocation:
Poster Ridge, Anthony LakesSigns of Unstable Snow
Recent Avalanches?
None ObservedCracking?
None ExperiencedCollapsing?
None Experienced
No red flags observed
Snow Stability
Stability Rating:
GoodConfidence in Rating:
HighStability Trend:
WorseningBottom Line
The snowpack up around Anthony Lakes is fairly consolidated and strong. The snow surface was variable - some spots were sun softened and others were crusty. On Poster Ridge above A-Lakes at an elevation of 8100' on an E aspect we had the following results: 245cm HS; ECTX. There are several melt-freeze crusts within the top 60cm of the snowpack. While these were unreactive in our tests I still would keep an eye on these, especially the crust about 60cm down. A warmer day on Thursday ahead of the cold front may allow melted water to pool at this impermeable layer increasing instability. This will be most noteworthy at lower elevations where a hard freeze overnight was unlikely.
Media
