Quick report
- Red Flags
- Recent Avalanches, Rapid Warming, Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #3:
Persistent Weak Layer
I did not observe any activity on the NFL down 3-6'. However, a poor snow pack structure persists, and I would not trust it. In the pit that I dug, the facets that the majority of the avalanches have failed on this year (above a mf crust) appeared to have begun the rounding process, but the depth hoar (below mf crust) remain angular and 2-3mm in size.
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Temps were high, and the snow surface was saturated on W-S-E aspects. There were many signs of natural wet-loose slides especially around rock bands and cliffs. I did not see any evidence of the water percolating down to old weak layers and producing wet slabs, but it may be possible with extended warm temps and strong solars.</p> <p>Aside from yesterday's avalanches failing 10-18" down, I did not see any evidence of new avalanches on this layer. However in a pit dug at 9613' N (340°) I got a CT11 down 25cm. The failure was beneath a thin mf crust. Fine grain facets may be the culprit.</p>