Mammoth Head

<p>Snow conditions on the West face of the Mammoth Head were affected by rising freezing levels throughout the day. Skinned up in reasonably dry snow, skied down in heavier, wetter, (but still great) snow by 14:00. Shear tests and compression tests resulted in repeatable Resistant Planar fractures down 40-45cm. Also showed repeatable fractures down around 70cm. Both faliure layers are failing on graupel, which can be found spread throughout the upper snowpack. Saw natural snowballing, trees dropping snow, smaller than size 1 wet slabs triggered by skiers, and heard about naturals between size 1-2 on other aspects in the area from other groups.</p>

Terrain Ridden

Mellow slopes, Open trees.

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Rapid temperature rise to near zero degrees or wet surface snow.

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Whumpfing or drum-like sounds or shooting cracks.

Snow Conditions

Heavy, Powder.

Weather Conditions

Wet, Warm, Foggy.