Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

On a recon to ski Mt David we were interested to see what we could learn about the snow pack. On the way up (icicle canyon) we observed a number of wet loose avalanches running. A little perspective, it seems that the volume coming down this year is smaller than last year in the same slides.

We had a look at the snow, HS 130 to 160, elevation 2600, aspect 060, temp. 42F sky clear, wind light and variable, a meter deep pit revealed 5 separate melt freeze crusts, below that was transformed snow increasing density with depth. A column test was un reactive. The wet loose slide we looked at was a D3, it did not run full course, we could not observe the start zone. Even though the temps were above freezing , it was 2:00 or 2:30 before the snow softened, ski penetration was edge deep most of the day, earplugs were helpful.