Game Creek

Traveled to Game Creek to investigate the snowpack in an area that generally has a shallow, and therefore weak, snowpack for the Tetons. This area in particular has a tendency to develop facets and surface hoar. Despite these general characteristics, we did not find any signs of instability within the recent snow or on interaces buried in the snowpack. No propagation in stability tests. No cracking, collapsing, or recent avalanches. 

Northwest wind did a number to snow surfaces over the last 48 hours producing light sastrugi. However, there's a lack of snow available to build concering slabs on terrain up to 9500' where we traveled. High alpine peaks could be a concern. There are recent (and abnormal) cornices formed on SE aspects from NW wind. 

Surface hoar is developing on sheltered northery aspects. Melt freeze crusts are widespread on southerly aspects. These layers will be worth tracking once it starts snowing again. Praise Ullr. 

8300' N aspect

Dug in this location since there was well developed surface hoar on the surface, and I wanted to see if there were any facets or surface hoar buried within the Jan 1st interface. We found the crust present on this interface, but no persistent grains (just decomposed fragments). No propagation. 

8900' WNW aspect

Dug in this location due to it's shallow total depth (87cm) on a wind scoured slope. Again, no alarming persistent grains on the Jan 1st interface. The lower Xmas and Dec 10th crusts were also glued on to the overlying slab.