Steamboat & Flat Tops

Avalanche

john morrone · Dec 16, 2020 · Steamboat & Flat Tops

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Weather

s1, light sw -w wind, obs sky, -6c TH near dry lake snowtel station, tour up valley from 7800-8400' N-w-s aspects

Snowpack

very pretty but nasty unsupportive snowpack, with recent 30 cm blower pow over 30 cm 4F facet layer, resting on mix of dirt, grass, brush and basal ice crusts 5-10 cm thick. occasional open W and SW exposures somewhat more supportive with ice crusts on top of (and maybe in) facet layer. Old tree bombs and packed in old tracks only real support for travel. no tests. no turns- saving knees and bases for more coverage/support. wintery pretty day. Maybe best to go back to tucson for 2 more weeks in shorts and sun

Avalanche

none