Quick report
Did not notice unstable snow conditions on this outing outside of pit results. The presence of the crust layer on top influenced our decision to forgo any normally enjoyable terrain. Noticed cornices on both E and W-facing aspects. The weather was calling for windy conditions so we expected some wind loading on E slopes. Did not find any recent signs of wind loading which we believe was a result of the frozen crust layer and lack of snow available for transport. Noticed substantial debris on NE (6300ft) and SE (6400ft) facing slopes above 30 degrees. Initially believed to be a point-release surface slide or simply an impressive amount of rollerballs. Upon inspection, it appeared to be a wet loose slide within the top layer of snow. No notice of a crown. Difficult to tell how long ago the movement occurred - guessing 2-3 days. No cracking or collapsing was observed.
Weather
- Air Temp
- Near Freezing
- Cloud Cover
- overcast
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- none
Near-below freezing temps Overcast with an elevated cloud ceiling providing view into the valley Moderate winds from the West
Snowpack
Surface melt-freeze/rain-freeze layer roughly a 1/4in thick. Found on all aspects and all elevations. Surprised to find this layer at 7000ft while snow in the whitefish range has not been exhibiting the same crust above 6000ft. Made for some substantially poor skiing conditions. Easy to travel ontop of. Pit Test: E facing slope at 7000ft Depth: 190cm CT12 @ 15cm ECT13 @15cm no propagation - The same layer fully propagated at ECT19 Was not able to produce any reactivity on 12/22 crust during this test.