Quick report
Moderate hazard late this afternoon. With strong winds expected Friday into Saturday, hazard rising to Considerable.
I have noticed a few observations coming in this week mentioning a layer of faceted snow on top of the dust layer from Feb 18 storm. Where I was today this visible layer was buried 60 cms (2'), and although it did have a 1-2 cm layer of facets on top, they were not weak and I could not get any shear at this layer. Pits results were ECTX.
Photos of cracking and shallow wind drifts that were easily triggered with ski cuts.
Dusk patrol - was treated to beautiful lighting as storm clouds cleared. I'd say it was time for another storm!
Snowpack
- Instability Comment
- <p>Small pockets of fresh wind drifts today at the mid and upper elevations. Although these were touchy, they were generally shallow, 5-20 cms (2-8") and not breaking out widely. Hard wind slabs from wind event earlier this week are now hidden underneath storm snow and new wind loading.</p> <p>Was in upper LCC where I am feeling much better about persistent slab problem. I think this is much more of an issue in thinner snowpack areas outside of the upper Cottonwoods, as well as slopes that have slid this season. With a significant load expected this weekend, faceted layers both midpack as well as down near the ground may become active again. </p>