Northwest Avalanche Center

Observation: Public

All Observations

Observation Details

Name:
Randy Oakley
Observation Date:
December 20, 2020
Submitted:
December 20, 2020
Zone or Region:
West Central
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Three Way basin -- Crystal South.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Observations

Crystal South was better than expected today. No precipitation during the day and generally good visibility. Breakable rain crust limited skiing pleasure, but was OK rather than horrible.
Extended Column Test performed on North Aspect @ 5800 showed uncohesive compression failure @ 10cm depth on first from elbow blow. (Tap 11) No shear plane evident.
12/9 crust was about 50cm from surface , mostly 4 finger density, except rain crust near surface and a couple other much thinner rain crust layers @ 20cm and 30cm.
Slight amount of new snow poorly bonded on rain crust above 6000. Unevenly distributed, some place bare rain crust, other with wind transported snow up to 4cm deep. Easily sheared from rain crust.

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