Three-guardsmen

jeffmoskowitz , Friday 17th January, 2025 1:15PM

Thin and variable at the pass with signs of recent avalanche activity. Wind effect and areas of soft snow or firmer sastrugi. Probed with a ski pole and felt strong over weak layering. Visible wind transport of snow off the high peaks.

Dug a test pit and got two propagating test results ECTP19 and PST25/100 End down 45cm on weak snow between melt-freeze crusts. Moderate strength, poor structure, and high energy. Talked about how the strength of the crust bridging the weak layer might not give a good indication of instabilities, like cracking or whumphing. Also discussed how a shallow area in the snowpack could act as the perfect trigger point. We turned around and bailed.

Sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures were chilly in the shade. Northwest wind blowing light gusting moderate.

These most likely occurred during the south wind event earlier this week due to their leeward aspect.