Deep Creek Observations

We made observations in Deep Creek today looking for some soft unconsolidated snow protected from the recent winds.  We left the trailhead this morning with mild temperatures and mostly light winds.  As we moved up through terrain, winds increased along with cloud cover.  Mostly sunny skies early this morning with increasing clouds provided only brief periods of sun breaks by midday.  Solar radiation was limited with only minor softening on southerly aspects by noon at 8000'.  Soft unconsolidated snow existed on steep northerly aspects with areas of sun crust on most other aspects encountered and on lower angle north aspects.  SW wind speeds along Deep Creek Ridge were mostly in the light range with gusts into the moderate+ range with periods of light blowing snow.  Wind slabs in this area were not reactive to ski kicks and cuts on slopes along with snowpack tests not showing any unstable wind slab results.  Warming temperatures provided some heavier snow at the lower elevation terrain with sticky and slow snow on the road out.