Crystal Backcountry, West Slopes South, between Henskin Lake and Bear Gap

Quick report

No observable instability in the field. Tests produced mild results, except the Rutschblock test, which went on the 1/9 crust with surprising energy. We opted to limit exposure to low angle slopes with brief pokes into steeper terrain with start zones that were heavily treed. One member of the team measured 70 cm boot penetration, suggesting a lot of snow available for wind transport. Overall stability was good, both in tests and on slopes, with the exception of the Rutschblock test, which had surprising energy. Snow was lighter than typical PNW, suggesting a lot of snow available for wind transport in future. Small sluffs, likely from tree bombs, were observed throughout. Skier-triggered surface sluffs on 35-40 degree slopes.

Weather

Air Temp

est. 20 degrees

Cloud Cover

overcast

Wind Loading

light

Rain Elevation

500

Recent Snowfall

25

Snow Avail For Transport

moderate amounts

steady snowfall throughout the day, cold temps, light winds. Very light snow quality.

Snowpack

Snowpack Summary: CT 28 on wind layer ECT 20 on 1/9 crust at an estimated 60 cm PST failed at 60% on 1/9 crust 2 independent Rutschblock tests* failed on 1/9 crust at 1.5 *Multiple pits as part of an NSP avalanche course. All other results are from a single pit.