Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Good snowmobiling and fairly difficult trail-breaking due to fresh snow depth led to a short tour. Stuck to west facing trees and found little concern in terms of snow stability. Tree bombs were the primary hazard, but none observed triggered any instabilities.

Ski Pole penetration test confirmed that snowpack is upside down with a soft slab (fist hardness) about 3-6" thick on top of a couple feet of unconsolidated storm snow. Due to our tours route on sheltered, lower angle terrain, we did not bother investigating it deeper. Slab was a bit harder (Maybe 4F) on open, unsheltered terrain and exhibited some shooting cracks on one test slope, but no number of aggressive ski cuts could get the slope WSW 5000' to break.

Ski quality was very good and views were outstanding. Solar radiation made top layer sticky on the lowest angle terrain. Great walk in the woods. Spun at about 5500' due to time.