Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Bottom Line

Today I skied up Hamburger Hill along the Snowshoe trail at Lolo Pass, observing all aspects above 5200ft. There were 8 inches (20cm) of new snow on top of a tough melt-freeze crust. We found wind loading on N, NE aspects, with shooting cracks and at least one collapse, below ridge tops. Investigating these areas revealed a surgery layer of facets just below the new snow.

As the day warmed up, the top 4 inches came wet, heavy, and sticky. We observed a small wet slab on a road cut. And widespread rollerballs released throughout the day from ski turns and naturally in steep areas. I estimate that the rain/snow line has been around 4500-5000 ft.