Manto nivoso

North east face of Gray Butte

Eric FalconerMount Shasta
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Quick report

Cracking
specific

A quick round of morning weather with fast-moving clouds and a trace of snow gave way to partly sunny skies in the afternoon. The new snow didn't stay in one place for too long, before it was swept away by the wind. West and northwest winds were observed blowing at moderate to strong speeds, with a light amount of snow transport. Near treeline, small drifts were observed forming directly beneath leeward ridgelines. Temperatures remained on the cooler side, allowing for surfaces to stay very firm and punchy. A full pit was dug on the northeast aspect of Gray Butte. 

Cracking was observed in freshly drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridgelines.

Weather

Air Temp
25
Cloud Cover
broken
Wind Loading
light
Recent Snowfall
1
Snow Avail For Transport
moderate amounts

Low humid clouds, active winds and variable visibility, all combined to make for inconsistent weather during my outing. Winds blew at moderate to strong speed near and above treeline, with light amounts of snow being transported. Temperatures remained below freezing, and visibility fluctuated greatly.

Snowpack

The snowpack is showing no signs of instability in stability tests. A dusting of snow rests over a 1 inch crust. This crust was observed on all aspects, including north. However, I would assume there are places that have not formed a crust. A 100 cm (40") deep snow pit was dug on a northeast aspect near treeline and displayed a very supportive structure with no layers or interfaces of concern . See snow pit photo for further details.