Windy lap on Green Butte

Many people were out recreating in the sun and snow today. It could have been confused for a warm spring day, despite the howling winds. 

• Observation Location: Green Butte
• Elevation: up to 8,400 feet
• Date: 20210206
• Time: 13:00 
• Observer: Ryan
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR) 
• Current Precipitation: None, Blowing snow
• Air Temperature: 48 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 2 in (5 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 8 in (20 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 70 in (177 cm)
• Wind Direction: NW 
• Wind Speed:  Strong (S), 26-38 mi/hr, whole trees in motion

We toured up Green Butte ridge to observe the winds and look for signs of lingering wind slabs. Snow surfaces are a mixed bag of textures, including packed sastrugi, sticky butter, and smooth melt-freeze. The strong wind has blown dirt and tree debris across the surface of the snow.  Despite the strong winds, the temperatures were warm and melting the upper snowpack. Smooth spring-like conditions were found on protected southerly aspects.