Quick report
We set out for Bertha Creek today with a goal of skiing on multiple aspects and seeing how surface conditions had held up to the strong winds and sunshine over the weekend. We found variable snow conditions on the tour up but were delighted to discover that much of the Bertha Creek area had been spared from the strong winds. The temperature inversion today was significant, and the temps were well into the 30s as we gained elevation. Despite the warm temperatures and intermittent sunshine, we did not notice any new wet snow activity throughout the day. There was, however, plenty of evidence of a previous wet cycle on many southerly aspects.
We made our way up to the Goldpan Basin and dug two snow pits on a NW and W aspect at 3,000'. Although the height of snow varied significantly between the snow pits, they both produced stable results. The noteworthy layers from the Feb. 10 rain/melt-freeze crust facet sandwich and the December facets are alive and well but are becoming more stubborn to affect. After digging pits, we toured up to an elevation of 4,000' on the Goldpan Ridge. Snow surfaces up high gave off major spring vibes but were still holding together well. After a quick lap in the sun, we toured back up to the saddle and skied a line down a northerly aspect of Super Bowl. Conditions here were much drier here but had a lot of variability, courtesy of the strong winds from the weekend.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 15-38
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- none
- Rain Elevation
- not observed
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
A mixture of scattered clouds and bluebird skies. A significant temperature inversion and abundant sun gave major Spring vibes on the southerly aspects. Winds were light and out of the West.
Snowpack
As we toured, we occasionally encountered the Feb 10 rain/melt crust but mostly it was confined to areas with significant wind scouring. The snow surface was primarily dry throughout the Bertha Creek valley but trended towards warm and moist on ridgelines, especially near rock bands. We dug two snowpits at 3000' on a NW and W aspect. The height of snow and distribution of the layers of concern varied by pit location but were present in both pits.
Snowpit #1:
HS:270 cm
Elevation:3000'
Aspect: 328° (NW)
ECTN14@30cm↓ ECTN28@45↓
Feb 10 rain/melt freeze crust layer was about 45cm↓ in Pit #1 and had facets on both sides. December Facets about 170 cm↓
Snowpit #2:
HS: 155 cm
Elevation: 3,000'
Aspect: 270° (W)
ECTX (Propagated with an extra stout pound after the test).
Feb 10 rain/melt freeze crust layer was about 15cm↓ in Pit #2 and had facets on both sides. December Facets were well-developed and very loose, about 65 cm↓