The Swan

We traveled on the west side of the Swan Crest due to the recent storm depositing 1.5" of SWE and 12" of snow at the Noisy Basin Snotel. 

• New snow totals of 8" at 4000' and 14" above 6000'.
• The new snow was accompanied by southwest winds which formed a dense snow surface on open windward slopes with nearby sheltered slopes remaining cohesionless. The west facing sub-ridge we ascended had both scoured sections and numerous drifts.
• Despite overcast skies, a greenhouse effect moistened the snow surface up to 5500'.
• Cracking 8-10" deep in the wind affected snow was common between 4800' - 6300'.  Isolated shooting cracks up to 5'.
• Fresh cornices broke up to 20" deep with light ski pressure.
• Fresh slabs were generally 8-10" thick but up to 18" on the leeward sides of ridgelines and unreactive in ski cuts.