NW Dipper Lake

During the field observation, a weak layer was identified at 56cm with a total snowpack depth of 83 cm at the observation site. During the compression test, the test column fractured on tap 12 at 56cm, indicating a potential weak layer in the snowpack (CT12@56cm.) An extended column test resulted in a sudden collapse on tap 11, but the fracture did not propagate across the test column (ECTN11@57cm.) The results from the compression and extended column tests indicate that there is a weak layer at 56cm and may be prone to failure. Given the snowpack conditions, it is important for backcountry travelers and recreators to exercise heightened caution. High winds over the past several days may increase the chance for wind slabs to form on this weak layer. The bottom 25cm of the snowpack consists of loosely faceted depth hoar. AB