Maverick

Generally stable conditions in sheltered terrain where we traveled today. However, we observed propagation 35cm (14”) down from the surface. Also tracking the 1/31 layer in the mid elevations. See snowpack section.

No signs of new wind slab development. We did not observe any recent wind slabs or signs of instability where we traveled. However, we did not travel above 10,000’ and visibility was poor.

Upper Snowpack: Above 9,000’, about 40cm (17”) of fist to four finger hard snow from the Feb 6-8 storm is sitting above a thin crust and harder snow that formed during warm conditions on Feb 4/5. Dug on an exposed E facing slope at 9,700’. Propagation was observed within the recent snow 35 cm (14”) below the surface, not involving the crust. ECTP 11 failing on fragmented grains and some small (~0.5mm) faceted grains. Several ski cuts on small test slopes nearby did not show reactivity on this interface.

Mid Snowpack: Tracking the 1/31 layer in the middle elevations where surface faceting was pronounced and most likely to have been preserved. Dug on a sheltered NE facing slope at 8,000’. Here, the 1/31 layer is buried 100 cm (3.3ft) beneath a hard slab. The buried facets are increasing in hardness and showing signs of rounding. High strength, but still showing propagation potential. No avalanches involving this layer have been reported though confirming that stability tests do not tell the whole story. It is also worth noting that the snowpack is under the most stress that we have seen all season. Over 6” of water weight in 8 days. The 1/31 layer is buried about 120cm at 9,700’.