Quick report
- Cracking
- specific
- Collapsing
- specific
Did not get into upper elevations, so did not observe wind slab. Persistent slab problem in the areas we traveled in seemed limited to NW-N-NE-E aspects above 7800'. Above that elevation in those aspects, cracking and collapsing were observed, test slopes failed easily, and propagation was readily observable in pits. Skiing in this zone was thin and variable. Best turns were found in open areas on N-E aspects. Also surprisingly good turns on SE-E aspects below 7800' -- almost spring like. Cracking and collapsing specific to polar aspects, esp N-NE above 8000'. Propagating test results on NSF/SH layer down 25cm. Observed what looked to be a far-running wet loose avalanche on the west face of Meldrum -- likely from a few days ago.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 24-33
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- none
- Rain Elevation
- N/A
- Recent Snowfall
- NIL
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Cloud ceiling around 9000' until 1pm. Raised to 10,000' around 2pm. Skies OVC until noon, then BKN trending SCT by 4pm. Winds were light from the SSW, increasing to moderate in the late PM.
Snowpack
Snowpack in these drainages are very variable by aspect. Dry spots on S-SW-W aspects, and up to 130cm HS on N-NE aspects above 8k. SH present on snow surface in sheltered areas, esp N-E. Snow surface varies from crust ( everywhere below 7200' and on solar aspects above that elevation) to a consolidated 25cm of our recent snowfall. Below that snowfall, a thin layer of SH exists in some areas (mainly sheltered N-E aspects) or a crust. Below that in our mid pack is our NSF layer, which was very well formed in this zone, up to 3mm facets with striations. Pit dug at 8270' on N aspect. ECTP11 and PST 22/100 END down 25cm on SH/NSF (3mm) layers. See pit profile.
Avalanche
- Size
- D1.5
- Aspect
- W
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 9000 ft
Observed what looked to be a far-running wet loose avalanche on the west face of Meldrum -- likely from a few days ago.