Quick report
- Aspect
- North
- Red Flags
- Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 2896 m
- Slope Angle
- 37°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>We continue to be amazed at the poor structure particularly under the most recent storm cycle snows.</p>
Composite snowprofile from numerous pits NW -> N aspects from 9400' to 10K.
My partners for the day showing the background of our analysis terrain.
Of special note we found a sensitive thin faceted weakness about 30cm down residing ON TOP of a stout 10cm suncrust at our feet in this photo (SSE aspect at about 9400'). Quite disturbingly, loose facets existed below this crust but we couldn't get any positive test results failing below the stout crust where we anticipated we would. Might be worth caution during next storm or significant warming.
We performed a pile of these looking specifically at thin snowpack areas.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>We were persistent at looking for this persistent weak layer in our travels today covering NW -> N-> SE aspects (9400' - 10K). Jury is split on our test scores. Fairly consistent ECTN moderates and CT moderates under the wind slab/ wind crust where present. ECTN to ECTX, and CT low moderate to inconclusive in the January facet layer. We just don't know what to make of it. The structure is crappy. Perhaps the slab above the facet layer wasn't quite stiff enuf in our test samples but we'll tell 'ya we are worried about the upcoming forecasted storm on Friday and it's loading prospects.</p>
NW -> N aspects varied from firm wind board to soft loose in sheltered/shaded areas. SSE aspects softening from the warmth to the extent possible above a sun crust where dampness was evident. Tom astutely observed ski PEN = not much.