Quick report
- Cracking
- isolated
We traveled to the Apgars to determine the rain line and snow amounts from the 12/7-12/8 storm.
- A melt-freeze crust from last weekend's warm, wet storm was observed from the trailhead (3900 feet) to our high point on a ridgeline (6200 feet).
- It appears the rain throughout the Apgar Range destroyed most, if not all, of the widespread surface hoar formed during the high pressure of 12/2-12/6.
- The crust thickened with elevation and was between 2-3 cm thick and knife hard at 6200 feet.
- Four inches (10 cm) of snow rested on this crust at 5000 feet, with six inches (15 cm) at 6000 feet.
- This crust made the ascent and descent challenging.
- Thanks to the public servants who cleared the downfall from the trail.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 28
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- none
- Rain Elevation
- 2500
- Recent Snowfall
- 2
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Poor visibility due to low clouds and fog. There was a slight wind out of the southwest, but we couldn't tell if there was any wind loading. There were signs of recent wind loading between 5100 feet and 6200 feet. Light snow showers ended mid-morning.
Snowpack
Our snowpit was at 6000 feet on a slightly loaded southeast aspect. Height of snow = 100 cm. Three prominent crusts, with the middle one being the only troubling one. Above and below this crust, the snowpack was strong and glued together. Small column scores of CT 17 and 19 on a layer of facets beneath the crust. Large column score of ECTN 18 in the facets.