Mt Rose Backcountry Ski Conditions
2023-12-19
Blackbird Guides Jan + John toured the Mount Rose area today, Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Ski quality was reported as very good, with creamy new snow around a foot deep above 8,500'. Avalanche Conditions were CONSIDERABLE as forecast.
New Snow
Above 8500' there was 10-12 inches of new dense snow and ideal for covering up obstacles in the shallow snowpack.
Ski & Ride Conditions
Snow conditions were soft and creamy on the decent.
Avalanche Hazard
Sticking to non-avalanche terrain was key to the day. Sierra Avalanche Center was forecasting Considerable Hazard with persistent slabs and wet loose as the main avalanche problems.
John and Jan experienced long shooting cracks and collapses on north aspects and a few unstable snowpack tests as well.
Short term, the avalanche hazard is on the rise with this new snow load putting more stress on the weak facets at the base of the snowpack.
Long term, this storm is a much-needed addition to the snowpack and the dense, wet snow will be especially helpful in places like Mt Shasta where wet storms are needed to coat the upper mountain with snow that can stick through the spring. This storm is really helping set up the dense base we have been lacking this early season!
Make smart choices out there!
As discussed in the Sierra Avalanche Center Avalanche Forecast and information provided by our guides above, careful route finding, and avoidance of avalanche terrain are critical to not get caught in an avalanche given the touchy nature of the current snowpack!