Quick report
We went out today looking for weak layers that were buried last weekend. We did find some evidence of this, although it was somewhat inconsistent. Within the upper foot of the snowpack, there are weak layers and interfaces that are currently not an issue. With the forecasted precipitation this weekend, these weak layers could become reactive. A pretty nasty day in the mountains with poor visibility and freezing fog lingering above 7000' in some areas.
Minor instability noted within the upper 20-30 cm (8-12") of the snowpack. Weak layers/interfaces were found in multiple locations that were buried last weekend. Was not a problem today, but may cause instability with this weekend's storms.Weather
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- light
- Recent Snowfall
- 2-4
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Overcast skies around Secesh Summit below 7000'. Above 7000' skies were obscured by freezing fog. Winds were light in the AM and began to increase in the PM out of the SW. Temperatures were cool and humidity was high.
Snowpack
We dug two pits today. One was on a NW aspect at 7400' with about 4 ft. of snow. Weak interface noted 15 cm (6") below the surface. No significant results in our tests in this pit (ECTN 11). Second pit was on an E/NE aspect at 8000' with 6 ft. of snow. Weak layer 23 cm (9") below the surface, with buried surface hoar and near-surface facets buried last weekend. Another weak interface was noted about 40 cm (15") down on a density change. ECTN found in second pit as well.