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Observation: Electric Lake

Observation Date
1/12/2025
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline » Huntington Canyon » Electric Lake
Location Name or Route
Electric Lake area
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Strong sun before 11:30 A.M. had it feeling warmer than the thermometer suggested. Broken clouds throughout the day. Wind was light to moderate, on the ridges and down in the drainages. In the shadows and when there was full cloud cover, it felt cold. As we were exiting around 4:30 P.M., the Fairview Lakes area was totally socked in and snow was falling.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
On NNE-facing, the turns were very good. Poles still want to go to the ground and stepping off skis has boot penetration crotch-deep, but the skiing was consistent and supportable. Entry/exit via South-facing. The late morning sun was hitting it hard, and exiting around sunset the top had crusted up. Hard crust underneath. Wind was not transporting much snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
This was our first outing in some time with zero whumphing. Dug a pit at 8,770 feet on NNE-facing, small 35 degree slope. Total depth 115 cm, loose grains from the ground to 35 cm. ECTX, but when forced to fail with a shovel, the entire top 80 cm moved as a slab. The bottom seems to be getting a bit stronger, but I wouldn't trust anything steep in consequential terrain. A slab of 80 cm could easily produce enough snow to bury someone.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable