Snowpack

Observation: Murdock Peak

BrackelsbergSalt Lake
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Observation photo 1

Quick report

Aspect
North
Red Flags
Wind Loading, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
2713 m
Slope Angle
21°
Red Flags Comment
<p>Most of the snowpack was faceted. There was a layer of buried, preserved surface hoar below last week's storm snow. </p>

We had easy pit results. The layer of surface hoar was easily visible in the snowpit wall (see photo). This surface hoar layer was very reactive to our stability tests. With more snow in the forecast, this layer is a concern.

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>The biggest concern is the faceted snowpack which comprised the bottom ~75cm of snow. It appeared that some of the facets were gaining strength. The buried layer of surface hoar on top of the facets and below the new snow was the biggest problem today.</p>

Dense, supportable snow surface up high. Lower elevation exit was very warm and wet with rollerballs.