S Purcells

npin , Saturday 18th January, 2025 4:15PM

Observed evidence of a natural cycle from earlier this week (Wednesday/Thursday). Mostly wet loose from steep, rocky terrain on South aspects. One size 2 from a SE facing path stopped in track - did not observe the start zone to see if this was a slab. Around 10-15cm of new snow overlies a crust on sunny aspects, or firm, wind pressed snow in the Alpine. Soft snow is best preserved at TL, but we did find evidence of the Jan 8 surface hoar in a test profile at 2360m - see snowpack tab. Mostly dust on crust/firm conditions but still a few soft turns to be had!

Easy shears down ~15cm (new snow), didn't observe the failure plane. Moderate (CTM 22) compression test results down ~40cm - found a few surface hoar crystals (2-3mm) at the failure plane. Soft snow above this layer (F to 4F-). Suspect this is isolated to sheltered, tree line terrain.

Cold temps (-10 to -15C), light breeze (primarily NW), 10-15 cm new snow this week (probably 5 overnight, more at the staging). Vis was in/out during the day.