air temp (F): 14; cloud cover: overcast; wind loading: moderate; recent snowfall (cm): 15; snow avail for transport: moderate amounts
Snowpack
A snowpit was excavated to ground at about 10,600’ in elevation SW aspect revealing a persistent ice layer buried at approximately 70 cm from bottom. Extended Column Test results produced an ECTN, indicating that while the ice layer remains a distinct and well-defined weakness, it did not demonstrate the ability to propagate fracture across the column under the applied loading. A Propagation Saw Test resulted in a PST null at 85 cm (PST 85/END), suggesting that despite the presence of a planar, low-friction interface, the slab currently lacks the structural or stress conditions necessary for self-propagating failure. The overlying slab was 1 finger hardness, which likely contributes to bridging and reduced stress transmission to the weak layer. Overall, test results point toward a persistent weak layer that remains dormant at present but could become reactive with additional loading, warming, or changes in slab stiffness. Continued monitoring is recommended, as persistent ice layers can exhibit delayed reactivity and spatial variability despite non-propagating test results.