Settlement, Scouring, and Warming on Red Lake Peak

Previous N-NE winds had scoured many of the typically wind loaded N-NE aspects in this area, leaving a firm wind sculpted surface on exposed N-NE aspects near ridgelines. Unconsolidated surface snow did exist on these aspects in areas sheltered from the N-NE winds. Snowpit data and hand pits on the northerly aspects between 8000 and 9500 ft. showed some settlement and consolidation taking place in the snowpack. Weak sugary snow that has been seen in many other areas around the region was present near the bottom of the snowpack in this area as well but it seemed less well developed below 9200 ft. Ski cuts on test slopes and other general observations did not reveal any obvious signs of instability.

By the afternoon any areas of sun-exposed snow became wet and sticky below 9000 ft. especially on the S-SW aspects and a few very small roller balls did start to occur on these aspects. 

Snow coverage in this area remains inconsistent and numerous obstacles remain uncovered or just barely covered.

Photo 1: Wind scoured surfaces on a NE facing slope near a ridgeline at 9000 ft.

Photo 2. Overview of the Red Lake Cirque showing lots of rocks and inconsistent snow coverage.