Location: Paradise Divide Area
Date of Observation: 12/09/2019
Name: Evan Ross
Subject: Great skiing on SW
Aspect: South, South West, West
Elevation: 9,700-11,900
Avalanches: Couple little Loose Snow Avalanches about. Most notable recent avalanche is covered in Eric’s observation. At mid to low elevations, along Climax area to Schuylkill, to Purple Palace, I didn’t observe any new or recent avalanches. You can still see old crowns from the 11/30 natural cycle and the Pittsburgh skier triggered avalanche on 12/5.
Weather: Partly Cloudy. Several snow showers adding up to maybe an inch for the day. Light to Moderate west to northwest winds, with moderate snow transport above treeline.
Snowpack: Total new snow accumulations were sitting around 8″. Skiing conditions were great. Steep south facing slopes had a crust just under the new snow, while SW to W facing slopes made for the best turns and didn’t have this same crust. Only one collapse and shooting crack observed on this tour. This occurred when crossing a tight and shaded gully that held old weak snow. Otherwise quiet for obvious signs to instability.