Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Near 6400' on the NE aspect of Mt. Hood.

We observed the well reported buried Surface Hoar ~40cm below the surface. A low density section of 4" thickness and facets was also found at ~80cm below the surface. In a compression test, buried hoar failed with elbow taps, buried facets with full arm taps.

Riding conditions are good with lots of new snow having fallen, however much of it having experienced wind transport creates a very dense texture more similar to skiing 'hot pow' than the fresh dry snow expected from the recent consistently sub-freezing air temps. New skiers may have significant difficulty.