Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Approached via Smithbrook. Climbed benches on the N side of Lichtenberg and stopped to dig a pit at 5,250' on a N aspect near treeline. HS 185cm. Found 30cm of F-4F new snow on a very thin layer of what I think was buried surface hoar. Below this we found 25cm of 1F snow on a 1cm rain crust, then 1F snow below. Did an ECT and got no result. The slab did fracture on the layer 30cm down but it didn't propagate at all.

Skied a couple lines on the N side of Lichtenberg and found excellent skiing conditions in areas sheltered from W winds.

Climbed to ridge near the W summit of Lichtenberg. Found wet snow on the S side of the ridge. Skied W to Lake Valhalla then out Nason Creek. Found good coverage but lots of breakable crust on the exit. In the shade there was still cold snow down to Highway 2.