Snowpack

Observation: Empire Pass

Peyton CostaSalt Lake
View on map
Observation photo 1

Quick report

Aspect
Southwest
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
2713 m

While in field, observed evidence of several small recent avalanches at upper elevations suspected to be the slope failure from wind loading during this most recent storm cycle.

Pretty impressive depth hoar observed around some rocks near pit.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p> Out of five pits dug at Empire Pass today, mine was one of two pits that did not propagate at this persistent weak layer. While a less reactive and shallower snowpack on SW aspect, this poor structure still exists. </p> <p>With yesterday's storm dropping 8-12in of new snow, pit test revealed several ECTN results within new snow/old snow interface.</p>