Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Day started clear at Smithbrook parking, gave way to broken skies by late morning and fully obscured by noon as we climbed east side of McCausland. Winds mostly non-existent, at times calm from the west. HS between 5-5.7k ranged from 3-3.8m. Pit at 5435' demonstrated HST 25cm, and a stout 3cm thick melt freeze crust 46cm down with rounding facets underlying. This was the only reactive layer, CT13 SC, ECTX. Other crusts at 74 and 79cm did not react in CT or ECT. Remainder of snow in upper meter of the pack was 1F-P hard, DF up top with rounds down lower. Ski pen 30cm, boot pen 50cm. No avalanches or signs of instability observed. We kept our terrain choices conservative given the presence of the crust/facet combo. Surface conditions remained well preserved throughout the day due to the cloud cover.