Snowpack

Observation: Providence Canyon

Wally MacfarlaneLogan
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Quick report

Aspect
North
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading
Elevation
2682 m
Slope Angle
33°
Red Flags Comment
<p>Wind loading from night before, snow from two days before.</p>

I dug a snow pit to the ground. The depth was 130 cm total. The weakest layer was about 10 to 15 cm from the surface, a sensitive density change within the new snow. In an isolated column the layer failed with 4 taps on the shovel blade. I also preformed a shovel shear test which showed a shear at moderate force at about 15 to 20 cm from the ground at a faceted snow layer on the ground.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>The top 4 to 6 inches was very sensitive with widespread sluffing (density change within new snow). Not a big deal because lack of slab on top.</p> <p>On upper elevation north facing slopes there was considerable wind slabs. As a result we stay off these areas.</p>

Up to 14 inches of new snow from 12/15 on top of Rain/wet snow crust. The crust line was most prevalent below 8000 feet.