Pear Lake

Quick report

YO ESAC Peeps: Not sure if yall are ready for another Pear Lake Obs , but here you go: LMK what you think of my conclusion. Pear Lake in Sequoia National Park has been getting a steady stream of eager backcountry travelers this winter. The area is still holding feet of snow. I was delighted to be up at the Pear Lake Winter Ski Hut last weekend when 10-16" of new and very light density snow fell in the area for a much needed re-fresh. There were light to moderate ridge top winds from the ENE associated w this precipitation. I was curious to see how the old snow / new snow interface was looking and how the new snow load might affect lower layers. In cold and calm weather, Over 2 days I made 2 observations in similar aspect and elevations but miles apart. I received similar results in pits of HS 145 and 125. One thing that lacked in my observation was any type of avalanche activity. I saw no cracking in my immediate vicinity and no activity in the general surroundings. I did feel one collapse on ridge top wind-board while traveling to one observation site. Test pit profiles revealed a bunch of crusty layers sandwiched between faceted as well as some more structured layers. I had consistent CT 7 RP results at a density change in the new storm snow, around 10 cm down. I had consistent CT 12 SC results just below the previous melt / freeze/ old snow surface in a layer of facets. In ECT tests, this layer was either very stubborn, or not producing any results. I had consistently stubborn or N results around 20 cm down. With additional stronger layers below this facet farm / crust sandwich, It seems like a good set - up for an avalanche cycle when we get another major storm / additional loading. Stay Safe out there.