General Observations

12/3- Moonlight Basin up to 4100’/South aspect/ overcast becoming partly cloudy/ moderate snowfall/calm/ski penetration was 30-70 cms

Avalanches: Numerous large to very large natural avalanches were observed on the drive from 46 mile to Thompson Pass with many failing at the ground. These slides happened between 12/1-12/2 during the peak of warming and storm intensity. See avalanche activity section for more details.

Shooting cracks: No

Collapsing: No

Below 3000′ found a thick moist storm slab 50-75 cms deep with 5-10 cms of dry snow on top. Above 3000′ this storm slab quickly dried out with 70-100 cm settled storm snow and deeper. It was apparent that winds were moderate-strong during parts of the last 7 days of snowfall and there was a fair bit of redistribution. Although, surface snow had very little wind affect. Upper snowpack was right side up.

Snow pit results at 3700’/ south aspect 25° slope, produced ECTN5 down 10 cms and ECTN23 down 60 cms. Total height of snow was 195 cm (78″).