Quick report
- Collapsing
- isolated
We did not experience problems with the storm snow in sheltered areas and only traveled through a few places with drifting. The early February weak layer of surface hoar and facets seems to be getting harder to impact as the slab becomes thicker however a triggered avalanche 3-ish feet deep (or deeper on drifted terrain) would be very dangerous. We carefully moved through the terrain while managing the potential for dangerous avalanche activity and kept to conservative slope angles.
We experienced a few collapses throughout the day in drifted and sheltered areas, often quiet and muffled. Most collapses occurred at the crust below the recent storm snow. All were moderate size. No rumbling collapses.Weather
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 45cm
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Storm totals ranged from about 15 to 20 inches; drifts exceeded two feet. Winds transported snow throughout the day in open areas near treeline. At the end of the day while at home in CB South, large amounts of snow could be seen loading alpine terrain on Whetstone.
Snowpack
Storm snow seems well bonded to old surfaces. There is a slight density change near the base of the storm snow but above the dust layer, but we didn't experience any cracking in sheltered areas. Crusts on shoulder aspects produced a few muffled collapses but non-propagating test results. One location below treeline on a shaded slope produced an ECTP hard on the 2/2 surface hoar layer down about 85cm down.
Avalanche
Poor visibility limited views of avalanche terrain while on tour; the east side of Gothic Mountain didn't show signs of significant activity. Evening views of Climax and Schuylkill Ridge without evidence of recent avalanche activity.