Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
- Collapsing
- isolated
Shooting cracks were seen as we traversed away from our pit to ridge line at Schweitzer ski area in a cross loaded section of heavy wind deposited snow. Amount of new snow observed was roughly 12" at al elevation of 6,000'. Light winds below tree line lead to very strong winds approaching near tree-line, especially in open areas that were S-W facing. Snow transport was visible. Patches of blue sky were seen at roughly 5pm. To note, there was a conversion of snow to rain back to snow in this recent storm. Down roughly 17-19cm into the new snowpack. This rain crust layer was very reactive in our CT tests, prompting a CT4 down 17cm from snow surface. This crust layer was visible in multiple pits and looked somewhat hollow. Also to note, the JDL (January Drought Layer / Surface Hoar) area showed signs up healing in our tests today. This layer is still visible, but blending more. It currently rests roughly 90cm from snow surface. . Observing wind loading in certain aspects, signs of cracking and the reactiveness of the first 20cm of snow, our travel plans were very much on the cautious side. . Over all impression of stability is currently low. There are quiet a lot of variables in the current snowpack, especially the top 40cm