Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Traveled in north Chiwaukums the last 2 days. The early march crust was a distinct marker in the snow pack, which we found present up to 6,900'. Above 5k' there was an average of 8-12" of new snow sitting on top of this, with depths of up to 24" in wind loaded areas. We found weak snow just above the crust just about everywhere we looked above 5k. Hand shears were mixed easy and moderate. The hardness difference between weak snow and the slab was fairly subtle. The grains looked to be small (.5mm) but I didn't spend much time looking. Preformed an ECT at 6,400' on NE aspect with no result, ECTX. CT at same location was CT14 sp down 35cm on the weak snow above the crust. Didn't observe any whumphing or cracking. Given the structure and mixed test results from recent observers we avoided steep wind loaded northerlies.

Today we experienced moderate to strong wind, which definitely ramped up later in the day. We avoided steep lee features which were actively loading. Skiing was great on most aspects above 5,500'. We saw maybe 2-3" of accumulation throughout the day.