Mostly strong snowpack at Blue Lakes

A warm day at Blue Lakes today, with very thin, high clouds possibly adding a "greenhouse" effect. Although by early afternoon, right when snow surfaces were getting softest, pre-storm winds increased significantly and prevented excessive surface warming. The snowpack was generally strong in this area, but weak facets remain below the surface on cooler mid-elevation slopes.

Pic 1 and video: Many slopes still had weak facets below the surface, but not a slab above them yet. Trench checks showed a similar structure on cooler mid-elevation slopes throughout our day.

Pic 2: Above treeline, the snow was firm with minimal ski and track penetration. Softest snow was found in mid elevations with well spaced trees.