Snowpack

Observation: Mary Ellen

Andy FarrellProvo
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Quick report

Aspect
Southeast
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Cracking
Elevation
2987 m
Slope Angle
32°
Red Flags Comment
<p>Sluffing of new snow on steeper slopes (35 degrees+), only involving the most recent accumulation (4-6 inches). 10-20 ft. shooting cracks observed in one area not effected by wind at subtle convex roll, SE slope in Lower Mary Ellen.</p>

HS: 200 cm ECTP12 Q3 RP @55cm, ECTP18 Q3 RP @55cm. Failure at sun/temp crust. Snowpack was wet below about 80cm. Photo: Snowpit in foreground looking west toward Sinner's Pass.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>Seems to be the foremost concern for tomorrow. </p> <p>Obviously still a threat on slopes that have avalanched this season. It will be interesting to see if this problem emerges in areas with the full season's snow pack in place. </p> <p>Snowpit: 200 ft. below Sinner's Pass approaching via Mineral Basin. Quick "cheater" pit on the edge of the cat track (may have influenced historical temp gradient). ECTN </p>

More amazing skiing on all aspects sampled from 9am-12pm. Wind was starting to do some damage after 12pm with a wind crust forming and scouring taking place in exposed areas. High rates of transport observed at higher elevations (above 9,500)