Portneuf Range - Pebble Creek Area (Backside)

Quick report

Cracking

isolated

Dug a snowpit at approximately 8,600 ft on a NE facing slope that was approximately 30 degrees in wind protected terrain. Snow depth was approximately 225cm to ground. Performed an extended column test at this location and results were ECTP-24 @ a crust/facet layer @ 190cm. After ECTP-24 was acheived we wailed on the slab just to see if we could get any more reactivity and we had failure & propogation @ a dirt crust layer at approximately 145cm. Both layers failed as hard slabs. Snowpack generally gained strength as we went towards the ground, minus the two weak layers. Red flags observed were active wind loading and localized cracking. You really had to stomp to get any cracking, and the stomping was able to get SOME wind slab activity but very small and localized (did not slide far at all). Snowpack seemed generally strong and we spent most of our time skiing ~30 or less slopes. Over the next two cold clear nights the snow showed obvious signs of rapid faceting. These facets could be an issue down the road if the range gets a big storm. Observed obvious wind loading of eastern slopes from W/NW winds while traveling on the ~8,800ft ridgeline. Local area received approximately 4-8" of new snow the night before. Lots of wind transport from leeward (west) to windward (east) slopes. Isolated cracking and wind slab formations, but really had to stomp to get any reactivity.

Weather

Air Temp

20

Cloud Cover

obscured

Wind Loading

moderate

Recent Snowfall

12-15

Snow Avail For Transport

moderate amounts

First day (2/20) was very socked in during the day, then a cold clear night. Hard to tell difference between snow and air during the day of 2/20. 2/21 was beautful and sunny with a cold clear night. 2/22 was mostly sunny with intermittent clouds.

Snowpack

Right side up snowpack. Great coverage for the area. Snow was light and fluffy on top and gained strength as we dug towards the ground.