Snowpack

Northern Elkhorns

Michael HatchElkhorns
View on map

Quick report

The persistent slab problem remains a persistent threat on W-N-E aspects at all elevation bands. It is still reactive in snowpack tests. The weak layer is down 35-40cm below the 2/1 rain/melt-freeze crust. The incoming storm is likely to drop 8-10" over the next 48 hours. This new snow will be falling on a variable snow surface with slick crusts on southerly slopes and stout 6-12mm surface hoar on protected W-N-E aspects at and below treeline. Moderate SW winds are likely to build reactive wind slabs on N-E aspects above treeline in the coming days.  Watch for loose dry on >35 degree slopes. 

Weather

Air Temp
23
Cloud Cover
obscured
Wind Loading
light
Rain Elevation
4000
Recent Snowfall
2cm
Snow Avail For Transport
small smounts

Light snowfall (S-1) starting about 1pm. Winds were light out of the SW. Temps hovering in the low 20's.

Snowpack

Highlights: 9-12mm surface hoar on protected W-N-E aspects at and below treeline. The new snow from last week has consolidated into top 25cm of the snowpack. Below this is a significant 10cm thick rain/melt-freeze crust of knife hardness. There is a persistent weak layer composed of 2mm facets below this stout crust. The PWL was reactive w/ ECTP17 result. Further down (80cm), at the 1/4 interface, are the basal facets. Results on this layer - PST 60/100 End.