Observation: Georges Bowl

Went for a tour up Cardiff Fork today to check in on the facet factory operating in our upper snowpack. From the trailhead to upper elevation terrain, surface hoar was widespread and quite large. Solar aspects began to heat up around noon, I would expect a zipper crust on these solars tomorrow morning. We stopped to dig a pit on a NE facing slope at 9400' where the height of snow was 105cm. We found the upper 30cm of the snowpack to be faceting and rotting away, below which exists a solid base. Temperature gradients in the upper 40cm of our snowpack are quite steep (see Snow Pilot image), indicating the faceting process is in full swing. Additionally, a layer of large graupel intermixed with rounds was present halfway down the snowpack, but a compression test showed no results on this layer. We did not find a rain crust from the start of the 11/08 storm at this location.

Riding conditions have been excellent where snow coverage is adequate. It feels like the time to get it while it's good, as we have a faceted loose upper snowpack and a solid base with a lot of body. When it snows next, the weakening upper snowpack and widespread surface hoar will create conditions ripe for avalanches.

Soft, faceted snow surface. Boot penetration of 50 cm. Snow surfaces on solar aspects were heating up at 11 AM.