Recent Avalanches

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Travel from Empire Pass to Murdock Peak provided sufficient coverage with isolated windslabs (pic 1) and overall poor structure with a F-to-4F+ soft slab overlying 1-2mm dry facets (and deteriorating crust(s) from late October through November 6). We noted one collapse but no obvious cracking and very little slab cohesion in most areas. The most notable results were just off ridgeline on NE (leeward) facing Murdock Peak. With HS 75cm, a 10cm 1F- windslab capped last week's storm and a mix of the Oct./Nov. facets and crusts (pic 2). We had failure on column isolation (ECTPV) in this area and would expect similar in start zones like it. This snowpack failed just under a weak crust @ 24 cm and took the majority of the basal facets with it. The weakening snow surface will continue with the high pressure and near-surface faceting is likely to make for a rowdy cycle with the next storm.