East Slope (Aspendell)

Quick report

Collapsing

specific

Recent loose snow avalanche activity observed on NW-facing terrain, indicating active wet-snow instability. Minimal new snow on debris and exposed scoured areas suggest recent releases. Snow pit showed poor strength in the upper snowpack, with localized collapsing on steep terrain. Dry loose avalanches appear to be the primary avalanche problem on similar aspects and elevations.

Dug a pit at the flank of an avalanche, partially within and adjacent to the avalanche path. A compression test produced a failure (CT7, elbow). Localized collapsing was observed on adjacent steep terrain. No cracking observed at the pit location. Avalanche likely occurred recently, as debris had minimal new snow and scoured area

Weather

Air Temp

Cloud Cover

obscured

Wind Loading

none

Recent Snowfall

Snow Avail For Transport

none

Ongoing snowfall with limited accumulation on existing avalanche debris. Air temperatures near 0 °C during the afternoon, followed by a shift to colder temperatures and increasing southerly wind gusts into the evening. Weather trends suggest changing surface conditions with continued sensitivity to storm-snow processes earlier in the day.

Snowpack

Compression test conducted in a snow pit dug at the flank of a recent avalanche, partially within and adjacent to the avalanche path. Total snowpack depth was ~85 cm. Hand hardness was approximately 2F from the surface to ~25 cm, transitioning to Fist hardness from ~25 cm to ground. Test produced a CT7 (SC) failure at ~25 cm below the surface. Localized collapsing observed on adjacent steep terrain. No cracking observed at the pit location. Pit location considered relevant due to proximity to recent avalanche activity on similar aspects and elevations.