Green Butte - Sun Bowl

Observations from Green Butte and Sun Bowl area

Everitt Memorial Highway is open! With such exciting news, I was eager to get above treeline and assess upper mountain conditions. The most obvious weather trend today was just how strong the sun was. Temperatures exceeded freezing by 9am this morning. Firm surface conditions began to soften right away, especially on solar aspects. By 12pm, solar aspects softened considerably, with firm, supportable snow underneath. Extensive surface runnels continue up to 9,000 feet.

Winds remained light out of the west, with occasional light to moderate gusts. 

Climbers could be seen on the upper mountain. Climbers reported a few conditions of note from above 9,000 feet:

Firm, supportable conditions continued from Bunny Flat to Helen Lake. Above Helen Lake, the surface became punchy and slow moving. Winds strengthened above 10,000 feet. Sastrugi and wind effected snow was abundant near the summit

No recent signs of avalanche activity could be seen today. Older D1-2 wet loose avalanches could be seen on the NW aspect of Gray Butte.

• Observation Location: Green Butte - Top of Sun Bowl
• Elevation: 9,400 feet
• Date: 20230414
• Time: 1300
• Observer: S. Clairmont
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR)
• Current Precipitation: None
• Air Temperature: 36 °F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 0 in (0 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 1 in (2 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 0 in (0 cm)
• Wind Direction: W
• Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr, twigs in motion