Public Observation #2023-956

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Very strong winds observed with enough snow available for transport despite warm temps at pass level. Plumes of snow loading N and E aspects consistent with forecast. Surface snow was dense, with varying levels of cracking on the surface ranging from a few cm thin wind skin to thicker cohesive pieces. Soft surface snow much deeper on lee side of the crest. Did my best to stomp on a few test slopes with small cornices, could not get much to propagate or move- our tour toped out around 5500' and we had warm dense dry snow the entire time.
Saw some small debris piles below ridges on easterly slopes- likely cornice chunks.