Quick report
Today we toured the NE ridge of Elephants Hump with the goal of observing different aspects and elevations, digging a pit to observe possible PWLs, and assess skiing conditions. During our tour, we did not find any surficial signs of instability below or near treeline such as shooting cracks or whumphs. We dug a pit at 8400' on a N aspect to investigate weak layers within the shallow snow pack. We observed two possible layers of concern: one at a rain crust ~40cm deep and another in the form of old, faceted snow at the bottom 5 cm of the snowpack. Investigating the small crust further, we found faceting grains above and below. Test results showed collapse but no propagation in both layers of concern. We also observed a recent avalanche on Elephants Back and moderate, active wind loading above treeline. Sticking to low angle terrain, skiing was good and supportable with bottom very rarely felt. Some low-tide hazards still existed in the form of downed trees and some larger rocks. Overall, dense snow underneath a few inches of powder led to good, confidence inspiring skiing. No whumphing or other signs of instability while touring. Observed a recent ~D1.5 avalanche Elephants Back.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 24
- Cloud Cover
- few
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 7
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Few clouds. Light SSW winds below treeline, moderate-strong above. No precipitation.
Snowpack
Full pit @ 8400', N aspect, slope angle 25 Boot/Ski Pen: 12/42 cm CT 15 Q2, ECTN 13 @ 40 cm CT24 Q2, ECTN 23 @ 53 cm