Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Wind Loading
- Elevation
- 2774 m
The total snow height measured 5.3 feet (163 cm). Within the top 3 feet (100 cm) of the snowpack, we identified two weak layers. The first was a density change located 6 inches (15 cm) from the surface, while the second was above the dirt graupel layer, positioned 11 inches (26 cm) from the surface.
The upper layer, located 6 inches down, exhibited compression test results (CT5 and CT7) showing sudden collapse, while extended column tests (ECT5) showed no propagation; however, we expect this to settle shortly. The layer associated with the dirt graupel produced compression test results (CT12 and CT12) indicating sudden collapse, and an extended column test result (ECTN26) showed no propagation on the small facets above the graupel.
The area where we dug showed no signs of current or past wind-loading.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>We were able to trigger new soft slab wind-drifted snow avalanches on north-east facing aspects along the ridgelines. These were sensitive and we were able to trigger these avalanches 4"-8" deep well back from the ridgeline. These 4F(four finger) hard wind slabs were running on a layer F(fist hard) precipitation particles. They were propagagating up to 100' wide and running with small powder clouds until they lost their slope angle. As we ascended and got into steeper terrain we stopped toying with this wind-drifted snow as the drifts became harder and more likely to break deeper and above us. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Wet snow and wet loose rollerballs below 7400' on steeper terrain. With warming temperatures this problem will rise in elevation. </p>
There was about 5"-6" of light dry snow to start the tour and by the time we exited the snow surface was damp below 7400'. Snow surface in protected areas was dry and not wind-affected. Heavy wind affect above 7500' with lots of new snow available for transport. In areas of scouring, there were still signs of lingering graupel deposits.
Above photo showing dry new snow on top of a melt-freeze crust at 5600'. This snow at this elevation was wet and mushy by the time we exited. The dirt layer was visible under the new snow from 5500' up to 9200'.
Above photo showing wind texture and transport.
Above photo shows lingering graupel deposit.