Quick report
I observed about a 8-12" of settled dry snow on all aspects where I travelled. In leeward terrain at middle and upper elevations wind loads totaled 1-2' of snow that was F-4F hardness. The occasional hard (1F+) wind slab was also encountered on test slopes and appeared to be glued in place. Around 2pm drip-lines had begun to melt out on SW facing terrain, and snow was settling quickly on solar aspects. I observed large surface hoar crystals, but only in one location (sheltered below treeline near a water source). No evidence of new snow instability. Evidence of previous wind slab problem.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 30
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- previous
- Recent Snowfall
- 15-30
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Light winds from the N throughout the day. High clouds blocked intense solar input. Temps hovered just below freezing for most of the day. No new precipitation.
Snowpack
My partner and I dug on a NE aspect at 8100' and located all three (1/3) (12/16) and (12/18) crusts. Total HS was 200cm, and this area has likely received previous wind loading. The 1/3 crust was approximately 30cm's down and very thin (<1cm). The 12/26 crust was 50cm's down and about 2cm's thick, pencil hard. The 12/18 was 150cm's. We recorded an ECTP26 down 52cm's below the 12/26 crust on a layer of 2mm preserved stellars, which were transitioning into facets.