Avalanche Obs:
-Observed numerous Na size 2 storm slabs on a 40 degree S facing slope at treeline. Avalanches failed in a density change in the storm snow down 25cms. See details above.
Snowpack Obs:
-S facing slopes at TL: Performed numerous hand shears on a 40 degree slope at TL. We observed easy, sudden fractures down 10cms on a new sun crust/storm snow interface, and moderate, sudden fractures down 25cms on a storm snow density change.
-N facing slopes at TL: Ski pen in sheltered areas was significant (30cms). 30cms of F- snow sits atop 4F hardness rounds, which sits atop a P+ rain crust down 50cms.
-N facing slopes at TL in wind-loaded areas: We performed a compression test on a NE facing slope with wind-loading at 5700ft. Compression test yielded no results (CTN). Shovel shear tests resulted in a sudden planar fracture down 13cms on a storm snow density change & a sudden planar fracture down 30cms on a density change. HS: 125cms
Weather Obs:
-Sky: Overcast in AM & PM, with cloud ceiling dropping in PM.
-Precip: Nil in AM; S-1 in PM
-Winds: Nil in AM; L winds from the SW in PM
Riding conditions were amazing and better than expected! Such a great day out!
-Zack Wentz