February 14

Gobblers Knob again

Elevations, slope angles and aspects:

6200-10200', angles approaching 40°, north and west facing aspects.

Slopes skied:

Cabin run, two pitches and main face.

Snow conditions:

Wind from the north and east following the storm,

eliminated much of the light density snow on aspects exposed, drifting it onto lee aspects. Wind rows and damage were widespread in Alexander Basin. Northwest facing on Gobblers had a thin slab over light density. Repeated ski cuts on that layering indicated the interface was not quite distinct enough to produce avalanche, although steeper areas would crack around the skis. More sheltered areas down off the ridges retained a little of the denser over lighter layering without the cracking. There was 6" at the low elevation trail head increasing to about 10" at the upper elevations.

Weather:

Partly cloudy, with some mid elevation clouds drifting through during the day. Winds from the northeast at less than 15 mph, lasting into the afternoon. Cool temperatures.

Evaluation:

Storm snow was well bonded to the old surface, with limited sluffing. Density inversion from the east winds was non reactive to ski cutting. Areas with more wind effect and larger drifts could produce some localized avalanching. Clear skies and light wind will probably eliminate most of that. Ski cutting starting zones and break overs should indicate lingering instabilities.