Snowpack

Observation: Hoyt Peak

Michael JanulaitisUintas
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Quick report

Aspect
North
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches, Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
2987 m
Slope Angle
20°

A small avalanche on a steep NW facing slope

Some long and wide cornice cracks

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>The storm slab has bonded very well to the new snow old snow interface, however; a weak layer of small facets exists just below the new snow old snow interface. My compression test failed CT15 SC Q1 on this layer about 25 cm below the surface.</p> <p>Although the snowpack structure is very weak, my snowpack tests consistently collapse the snowpack with too much friction for the new snow to slide off the column. My biggest concern is a soft slab release on the facets just below the new snow old snow interface that will step down to just just above the 2 cm thick crust just above the ground. </p>