Observation Date: 02/26/2014

Route/Location:
Top of Point Six via Paradise, down north face of Point Six, north trees off Burgundy Ridge, back to Point Six, down Jenny Bowl, back to the rig.

Weather:
Intensely sunny and calm. Sun crusts have formed on many south aspects.

Wind:
Wind transport of the new snow was evident at ridgelines, but no obvious wind crust or pillows had formed.

New Snow: 12+”

Avalanche Activity:
We dug a pair of pits on a north aspect near 8000′, and found multiple low strength, low energy failures amidst the low density new snow between ECT4 and ECT16, ranging from 10 to 40 cm. None of these propogated. Skiing these slopes produced vigorous sluffs. South facing rocks were producing significant point releases, and steep south facing slopes were shedding the new snow upon sufficient warming. Notably, most of Murphy Peak’s south couloir released. This shedding was occurring by 10AM, a testament to the increasing strength of solar radiation as spring approaches. While these natural slides were soft and slow, they would likely be sufficient to knock down and entrain a skier.

Other Comments:

Observer: Doug Brinkerhoff