Saturday, January 19, 2008

Mores Creek Summit Snotel Data: 1.19.2008

I just got back from Jackson Hole, and it was COLD. It was the first time ever that I broke trail with my down coat on. It was -18F at the pass Thursday morning, and it warmed by mid afternoon to a balmy -14F. With the wind, the windchill was in the -30F.

Getting back to business, the Mores Creek SNOTEL data suggest that the snowpack has settle by as much as 12-13 inches since the last storm cycle. This settling is benefitial, since it generally leads to a more stable snowpack by reducing the shear stress caused by differential creep rates.

The SNOTEL summary data for the season is included below:




The temperature data suggest that a melt-freeze layer and/or sun crusts might have developed after 1/12/2008 at some elevations and aspects, and that there was a significant cooling period (1/16-1/17), quite possibly resulting in the formation of surface hoar or near surface facetted crystals. However, the wind might have obliterated or inhibited the formation of surface hoar.

Can we get snow conditions observations posted on this blog? That is the purpose of this Blog.

In a different note, we need to be good stewards of the Mores Creek Summit area and follow some simple "ettiquete" and safety practices:
  • Please step-off the the trail when in need of watering the lillies. Yellow snow on the trail is very unsightly.

  • Remove the dog curd from the trail. It is even worse than yellow snow. We do not want to end up like in the Wasatch, were dogs are banned from the winter backcountry trails.

  • Be mindfull of the up-hill trail routing, plase attempt to avoid having a trail that will result in riders skiing above YOU.

  • Also, be mindfull of parties at the bottom of a slope - do not ski/ride above them.

While skiing at Teton pass this week every one of the above rules were disregarded. Mores Creek is nowdays a very popular backcountry recreation location, and follwowing the above rules will make the experience a better one for everybody, and SAFER too!

That's all I have for now. I will blog again, once I can get to the Mores area within the next few days. And again, we need your observation ... do not be SHY!

Chago