Location: Little Sifton Basin & Puff Daddy
Date: February 15, 2026
Aspect: SE
Elevation: 2500 m (alpine), observations to 2000 m (treeline)
Snowpack & Tests (2500 m, SE):
• Upper 40 cm: Low-density storm snow.
• CT4 @ 40 cm down on crust (non-planar).
• CT13 @ 60 cm down on facets (non-planar).
• No sudden planar results.
• No propagation observed.
Field Observations:
• Riding quality in alpine was excellent.
• At treeline (~2000 m and below), cracking observed in wind-loaded features.
• Cracking consistent with reactive wind slabs.
• No natural or skier-triggered avalanches observed.
Summary:
Alpine snowpack at 2500 m on SE aspect showed early results on a crust (CT4) but without propagation. A deeper facet layer (CT13) produced moderate results, also without propagation. While skiing quality was excellent in the alpine, cracking in wind-loaded terrain at treeline indicates localized wind slab sensitivity below ~2000 m.