Quick report
- Cracking
- widespread
We observed an increasingly reactive snowpack as we moved higher in terrain. Hand shears consistently failed easily in predictable locations along the TRT and we were able to initiate a crack across the entirety of a test slope. These failures occurred within a density change in the new snow (wind-affected/transported on top, lighter snow that had fallen straight down on the bottom). The bed surface was still soft from yesterday afternoon and showed good bonding to the new snow. Winds were ramping up during our time in terrain, as was wind transport. Visibility was poor and we were not able to safely enter or observe steep terrain. Between Hojo's and Connection Cache, we observed a trend of stiffness and reactivity within the new snow. Cracks shot further from our skis the higher we went and hand shears failed easily or on isolation. On a test slope, I was able to initiate a crack propagating the entire slope, but it did not release.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 28
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 9cm at Hermit Lake
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
The sun came and went at Hermit Lake, but visibility was obscured by clouds and blowing snow above the cabin.
Snowpack
We observed a stiffer (4F-1F) 5-7cm of wind-affected sitting on top of 3-5cm of softer (F-4F) snow, which was in line with what the forecast was predicting. Hand shears failed easily, but with poor shear quality within this new snow, not on the bed surface. Descending Lobster Claw yesterday (02/25) as the snow came in, we noted that the bed surface had softened up in the afternoon and discussed the potential for new snow to insulate the bed surface before it had the chance to refreeze, allowing it to bond well to the new snow. We saw evidence of this today, but reactivity within the new snow kept us out of terrain.