Quick report
Dug a pit on NW facing slope, 27 degrees of steepness at 8,600 feet after finding a layer of facets with pole probes. HS was 105 cm with the snow from the Sunday storm comprising the top 40cm. Snow was almost all 1F hardness with a thin layer of 4F facets at the 60cm mark. This layer is clearly visible in the photo above. Snow below this layer was 1F in hardness with no basal facets present. We did not experience any collapsing, cracking, or other signs of instability in our travels but would imagine that this layer could be more reactive in steeper, more wind-loaded areas.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Cornices are visible above many north facing slopes, and south facing slopes above treeline seemed to be stripped of all new snow from the weekend storm. On Tuesday I observed plumes coming off ridgelines in the same area. I would imagine this problem is most dangerous on north and east facing slopes above the treeline.</p> <p>Found a thin layer of facets at the interface of the snow from Sunday's storm and the snow below. Photo of snowpit is attached below.</p>
New snow has settled to dense powder in non-wind affected areas. Many southern slopes were scoured by the strong southerly winds of the last few days. Any density inversions in this area have settled out and the snow still skied quite well in the trees.