Quick report
Thin and variable at the pass with signs of recent avalanche activity. Wind effect and areas of soft snow or firmer sastrugi. Probed with a ski pole and felt strong over weak layering. Visible wind transport of snow off the high peaks.
Recent avalanches observed on various aspects and elevations.Weather
- Air Temp
- 5
- Cloud Cover
- clear
- Wind Loading
- light
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures were chilly in the shade. Northwest wind blowing light gusting moderate.
Snowpack
Dug a test pit and got two propagating test results ECTP19 and PST25/100 End down 45cm on weak snow between melt-freeze crusts. Moderate strength, poor structure, and high energy. Talked about how the strength of the crust bridging the weak layer might not give a good indication of instabilities, like cracking or whumphing. Also discussed how a shallow area in the snowpack could act as the perfect trigger point. We turned around and bailed.
Avalanche
- Size
- D2
- Type
- HS
- Count
- 3
- Aspect
- W
- Trigger
- N
- Elevation
- 3500 ft
These most likely occurred during the south wind event earlier this week due to their leeward aspect.