Quick report
We went looking for instability in the recent snowfall (since 2/13) and to continue to track the progress of the persistent slab problem (1/31 interface and below). We observed no obvious signs of instability, minimal surface faceting, and no evidence of recently buried surface hoar. On steeper SW and S aspects, there was a thin breakable crust that formed yesterday during breaks in cloud cover. Deeper in the snowpack, we were able to get propagation in the very weak pre-1/31 snow, but the persistent slab is acting very stubborn at this location. Given the poor structure, we continued to stick to lower-angle slopes.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 15
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 30
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
Ridgetop calm and light NW winds with a few moderate gusts in the morning.
Snowpack
We dug a quick pit at 8250' on a W aspect and found propagating results in the weak faceted snow below the 1/31 interface (crust). There was 70cm of February snowfall (30cm HSN since 2/13) and ~60cm of weak facet-crust complex below the 1/31 interface. PST 25/100 END @59cm and ECTX test results.
We also dug a handful of handpits on E, NE, N, and NW aspects looking for surface hoar at the 2/13 interface and didn't find any.
Avalanche
One small storm slab on a SE aspect at 7500 feet that looks to have released during the 2/13-2/14 snowfall event or due to solar input on 2/14.