Observations from Spooner

A shallow snowpack with variable surface qualities was observed today between Spooner Summit and just south of Genoa Peak. Shaded slopes still held cold, unconsolidated snow for enjoyable riding. Sun exposed slopes had crusts of varying thickness, and wind exposed slopes were firm with rocks and dirt showing through. Although faceted snow was observed below the surface on N and E aspects, it was not as weak as observed yesterday above Horse Meadow, and we did not find an overlying slab. No signs of instability at these facets were observed today. Cloud cover prevented significant warming prior to our departure at 1pm, and no warming instabilities were observed.

Pic 1: Overcast day prevented significant warming. Note the lack of wind on the lake. Light SW winds at ridgetop. This previously wind exposed side of Genoa Peak hardly had enough snow for safe snowmobile travel.

Pic 2: Still great riding conditions on shaded and wind sheltered terrain.

Pic 3: Red arrow denotes faceted layer about 10" from the surface on a N aspect at 8600'. The snow above was unconsolidated and an ECT did not propagate. Throughout our travels, we did not encounter slab-like snow above the facets.

Pic 4: Crust/facet combo on an E aspect at 8600'. We did not observe an area with enough snow above it to be of concern.