Observation: Turnagain

Location: Sunburst Normal Skin track

Date:
Observer:
Route & General Observations

Skied multiple runs on W and SSW aspects from the top of the ridge at the normal jump off point (west end before cornice line).

Red Flags
Red flags are simple visual clues that are a sign of potential avalanche danger. Please record any sign of red flags below.
Obvious signs of instability
Recent Avalanches?Yes
Collapsing (Whumphing)?No
Cracking (Shooting cracks)?No
Observer Comments

In general there were no signs of instability on Sunburst itself that were observed. To the N Tincan ridge (Library) had numerous crown faces and it also looked like there might be some slides in the Pastoral area that probably went during the Fri/Sat storm. Sorry camera battery was dead so no photos.

Weather & Snow Characteristics
Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place.
Weather

Mostly sunny with a few high clouds passing through the day. Winds were light from the E to SE and mainly in the Tailor drainage or directly on the ridge.

Snow surface

Snow from the last couple of storms was prevalent on the surface. There was very little wond effect and mostly on the tops of the ridges. It was hard to discern the newer snow from the older snow.

2400' approx. 11" of new snow 4F/F (top 6" F)
2900' approx. 17" of new snow 4F/F
3300' variable from 8" to 20" new snow

Snowpack

Hand pits at 2400', 2900' and 3300' showed moderate to hard shear with Q2 at depths from ~2 feet at lower elevations to 2.5'-3'at the higher elevations.

Snow pack is right side up and appeared/felt fairly cohesive.