Quick report
- Aspect
- Northwest
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Poor Snowpack Structure
- Elevation
- 3231 m
- Slope Angle
- 27°
- Red Flags Comment
- <p>We observed numerous small avalanches along steep, northerly facing road cuts while sledding up to Geyser Pass. It should be noted that the snow here is very shallow, so it is no surprise that the existing snowpack was faceted and very weak. These avalanches are still a pertinent observation and a good indicator for bigger slopes at higher elevations. A great example of this is the natural avalanche we observed in Colorado Bowl on a steep east-facing slope. (See the separate avalanche ob). </p>
We performed three extended column tests. One with a result of ECTP 8, and two ECTX. The ECTX results are due to the very soft "slab" on top of the weak layer. The slab is so soft that in two tests, we just squashed right through it with our taps. But the ECTP 8 reveals that with just enough cohesion, the snowpack is sensitive and can produce avalanches. And with rocks and logs all over the place, a D1 or D2 soft slab might be all it takes to get seriously hurt.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>The snow that stacked up throughout mid-November came in right-side up, but was subjected to enough cold, clear nights that it became weak and faceted. On Friday, 11/21 I observed 16 inches of dense snow made up entirely of rounds. On Tuesday, 11/25, we observed the upper pack becoming weak and faceted. Cold, clear nights prevailed until Saturday, 11/29, allowing our very shallow snowpack to become faceted top to bottom. 9 inches of snow arrived on Sunday, and we are seeing avalanches. The new snow is just <em>ever so slightly</em> more cohesive than the underlying snow. On some slopes, the slab is too soft to produce avalanches, but on other slopes, where the slab is just slightly denser, avalanches are possible. As the new snow settles and gains some cohesion, I expect to see results in stability tests. I would not be surprised to see more small, pockety, soft slab avalanches breaking on steep roll-overs where weak, faceted snow exists underneath.</p>
We found great low-density powder in our travels today. This would have made for great turning, but unfortunately, we were in a rocky zone, and the snowpack is not very supportive right now. If you are attempting to make turns, grassy slopes are the ticket until we get more snow. Temps stayed cold today, and the new snow will still be good tomorrow.