Quick report
Observed a saturated and isothermal snowpack in an eastern aspect in Southern Snowfields-Gulf of Slides at 4232 feet.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 38
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- None
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
Winds were persistent from the northwest throughout the day today at lower, middle, and upper elevations as well as gusts. Partly cloudy skies made way for sun throughout the morning and afternoon.
Snowpack
Temperature gradient measured consistently to 0.2˚C throughout the snowpack. Snow depth at the site of the pit was 180cm. Noticed snowmelt at the surface due to solar effect. Surface snow was soft and wet to the touch. Boot penetration varied from 2 inches 6 inches. Areas of waist deep snow, roughly 80cm, was found near small bushes/trees.
The snowpack throughout the pit was heavy, saturated and more wet than the snowpack in the pit observed in Huntington Ravine yesterday. Observed skiers descending Southern Snowfields make effortless turns with small amounts of wet slough piling up under each turn.
Soft, spring snow was found during descent of Gulf of Slides Trail. Snow coverage was top to bottom, although significant melt was noted closer to the base of the trail. Roots and rocks are becoming more visible. Water is now exposed in the New River drainage around 2100 feet. Snowpack previously covering the New River drainage the trail cuts through has melted out making it a little more challenging finding a way across.