Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
We traveled to the Continental Divide to experience winter conditions and observe wind loading by north and east winds.
- We noted up to 8" of low-density snow in areas sheltered by the wind. This snow rests on a melt-freeze crust that thins to 2" thick on northerly slopes above 5800'.
- Areas exposed to the north and east wind had telltale signs of wind effect, including dunes, drifts, soft slabs, small cornices, and scoured sections.
- Drifted areas were up to 18" deep but still soft (4F). By our afternoon exit, drifts were still small in size.
- Traveling was easy due to light surface snow and a mostly supportable crust.
- There is impressive riming associated with the recent moisture and north and east winds.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 18
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Rain Elevation
- 2000
- Recent Snowfall
- 20
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
The north and east winds increased intensity throughout the day with decreasing temperatures. Snowfall picked up in the afternoon with poor visibility.
Snowpack
Various hand pits showed that the fresh snow and wind-blown snow did not bond well to the underlying crust. Today, there were no formal pits, as I was focused on the wind slab problem.