Sierra Buttes: variable conditions and widespread past avalanche activity

Location Name: 
Sierra Buttes
Region: 
Yuba Pass Area
Observation Date & Time: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - 12:00
Location: 
39.598404, -120.630712
Is this an Avalanche Observation?: 
No




Observation made by: Public

Tabs

Observation
Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions: 

Many recent slab and wet loose avalanches visible at Sierra Buttes on Saturday. One crown in particular (near center on one photo) was quite impressive in depth. Also noted a number of glide cracks higher up close to Young America Lake (some visible in the photo of two skiing across the lake), presumably due to intense rain runoff under the snowpack. Travel conditions were good, and skiing conditions were pleasant on E-S aspects. N-W aspects were very firm, as expected. High up, SW aspect was too firm for fun travel, as expected given the cloud cover developing after noon. 

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