Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Traveled to 4500' on Snowlake Divide and neighboring slopes to investigate distribution/reactivity of storm slab and surface hoar (SH). Rising temps and some broken sun effected the upper snowpack. Small solar induced dry-loose observed above summer trail (NW aspect) in the am. Large roller balls observed on winter trail exit in the afternoon (SE aspect). 1cm superficial refreeze crust observed on all aspects, but more pronounced on solar aspects. Large tree snow-bombs noted while breaking alternative winter trail.
No shooting cracks or whoompfing nor any other obvious signs of slab instability observed at mid and lower elevations.
Winds in general were light (at times calm).
@4500' Snowlake Divide, N aspect. Generally right-side up upper snowpack with a subtle heavier upper 5-10 cm. Multiple resistant mid-storm failures noted in compression with one sudden result down 30cm (Could not identify SH on this layer). ECTN down 35 cm - what appeared to be the same 12/8 layer - no SH observed.