Snow report Grisons, 02/06/2020

Snow condition

The area starts at 1500m, there about 60cm of fresh snow (cars completely snowed in there), slightly ascending to 2300m. A base was still present after the rain, even though it was south-facing. No ground contact. As there is only usable snow from 1300m 3 instead of 4 stars

Snow quality

Top in the morning, wind influence only very sporadic, hardly noticeable. Quite heavy in the afternoon due to the strong warming. But it was also all between SE and SW, with the sun beating down all day. Much better in the afternoon on the flats than on the steeper slopes. Up to at least 1800m there will be a cap in the expos mentioned tomorrow, some of them already this afternoon. Not quite enough for 4 stars.

3 above 1800m was issued and that was justified. There was drift snow here too, but it was more localized than widespread. It felt good up to just under 35°, even attempts at blasting were unsuccessful. However, two freeriders then triggered a snow slab on a slope that was just under 40° at the start. Dimensions: width about 30 m, length with run-out about 300 m, edge less than 30 cm, but the whole thing broke through to a deeper layer in the middle of the slope (see photos). The break is behind a crest and the slope is more exposed to the wind than the rest of the area. The sun also shines on it from morning to evening (Expo S). We reported it to the lift staff, they hadn't seen it yet (but neither had we). When we went there with the rescuers, as we were equipped, the two had already freed themselves and were not completely buried. The fact that the slope forms a slight ridge and runs out flat also contributed to this - watch out!

Overall impression

Best day of the season! Was good to ride a bit further into the Alps after the storm. No powder stress in the small area, bluebird and a reminder not to push your luck.