Observations from Red Lake Peak

Very weak overnight refreeze evident below 8000 feet on south facing slopes near Red Lake Peak. Approaching from the south, slopes that had received sun from first light were already softening and barely supporting ski travel as of 9am. Shady slopes in this area were still firm and supportable at this time. 

Above 8000 feet snow supported ski travel and remained firm in shady spots until noon. 

North facing aspects above 8000 were very firm and at least near the ridge did not soften by 11am. Consistent light winds kept the top few hundred feet of south facing slopes (above approximately 8000) near the ridge line from softening as well. Below this wind affected area, south facing slopes were softening as a result of warm temps and sun. 

Photo 1: Shallow refreeze evident by close proximity of frozen surface snow and fully wet snow. Near the nose of the 160 splitboard the more shaded snow is still firm with only minimal softening at the surface, while near tail the snow if totally soft and unsupportable to walking. 

Photo 2: Little evidence of recent avalanche activity on south facing slopes of Red Lake Peak. Minimal evidence of rollerballs or wet loose instabilities. 

Photo 3: Much firmer more supportable snow existed on south facing slopes above 9000 feet. 

Photo 4: Little evidence of recent avalanche activity looking into bowl above Crater Lake.