Surface Hoar Galore

We checked out Hasler today. With reports of surface hoar in the area, we chose to verify conditions with some sled cuts on small features and dig a couple profiles. Sled cuts in sheltered tree line produced cracking across the snow. In the profiles we found three surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack - and more growing on the surface. One of the buried surface hoar layers produced sudden results across entire test blocks. With these observations we decided to stop for a talk to re-evaluate the day's plan. This included discussing using good travel habits by, evaluating each slope on our way, having only one person on a slope at a time, as well as being mindful of overhead slopes. We were able to connect small slopes and mellow slopes to access higher ground. From higher up we could see the alpine was scoured with pockets of stiff wind slabs.

ECTP 16 CTM 17 x 2 down 35 on Dec 1st SH