Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
Over the course of 4 days with continual S-SW winds and +20cm storm loading, multiple areas were observed with varying levels of instability. Multiple test pits on N, NE, and SE aspects @ 8100-8300' dug on 3/12-13/2023 demonstrated widespread distribution of a 10-20 cm slab exhibiting fair strength on previous loading with sun affected slab formation showing greater instability. 3/13/2023. Results for a test pit on a SE 28 degree slope @ 8200' were CT12Q2 down 15cm, and ECTN23 down 25cm. Multiple hand shear tests on similar slopes confirmed the presence of the slab formation 15cm down. Today (3/14/2023), had additional loading (~15cm) and a break in the weather with temperatures rising. With an already touchy snowpack, added heat and sun will further increase instability an all slopes with recent loading. Skiing was limited to sub 30 degree slopes not connected to steeper slopes.
Avalanche
Over the night of 3/13-14/2023 higher elevations experienced another +10cm of heavier density snow. Widespread natural Storm Slab avalanches were observed on N and SE aspects, some stepping down into previous storm and wind slabs. Avalanche sizes ranged from R1 D1 to R3 D2.5.