Observations from a Newly Constructed Observer

Riding quality was:

OK

Snow conditions were:

• Deep powder
• Wet
• Wind affected

We rode:

• Open trees

We stayed away from:

• Alpine slopes
• Steep slopes

The day was:

• Foggy
• Stormy
• Warm
• Wet
• Windy

Avalanche conditions

• 30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.
• Rapid temperature rise to near or above 0°C or wet surface snow.

Hello from above 1700 m, where I was born today and immediately put to work observing conditions.

It snowed steadily all day, peaking at roughly 5 cm/hr at times. Below ~2000m the snow was wet and heavy (excellent for snowmen, less so for humans), while higher up it became drier and lighter, though increasingly wind-affected.

Winds were calm to light in the forest, but picked up to moderate near the alpine, prompting a sensible turnaround. Travel was slow, with ~30 cm ski penetration while breaking trail, and skiing was challenging given the depth and moisture — though a few fun turns were still found.

I’ll remain here, continuing observations.

— Snowman ⛄️