Windy day at Red Lake Peak

Very windy day at Red Lake Peak today. Lots of wind transport observed on all the surrounding peaks and ridges, although winds were so strong that redistribution patterns appeared somewhat irregular, with sastrugi observed into traditional start zones, and smoother wind deposits farther downslope.

Along the traverse from the Meiss snopark to our downhill transition (pin drop), wind slab was firm with minimal ski penetration. In the most wind loaded areas, we saw 6-8 inches of 1 Finger to Pencil hard wind slab on top of collapsed surface hoar. Away from the most wind loaded areas, we saw 1-2 inches of wind slab on top of intact surface hoar. Where there was no recent wind loading, wind exposed surfaces did not have intact surface hoar, but wind sheltered areas did have intact surface hoar mixed with near surface facets.

Pic 1: In one of the more wind loaded areas, surface hoar was not observed intact prior to this shovel tilt. However, the shovel tilt was very easy, requiring no taps, and left a very planar surface. Mitt pits and other shovel tilts in similar areas produced similar results. An ECT propagated halfway, but I don't think the slab was thick enough to expect propagating results.

Pic 2: In less wind loaded areas, surface hoar was still intact under the 1-2" of wind slab. This photo is looking at the underside of the thin wind slab.

Pic 3: Where there was no new wind loading, and also no wind scouring, small surface hoar remained intact, mixed with near surface facets.