Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Our pit was dug to 120 CM at 6100ft. Total snow depth well over 350 cm. 35' slope. North facing aspect. Mildly wind loaded. we performed ECT test right away. ECTP22@ 82cm. Propagated all the way through and produced a Q2 surface. which was a rain or melt - freeze crust. I continued the test and the layer that Eric is pointing at, broke at ECTP26@57cm.

Most the hand hardness was fist to 4F. Two 1F hardness at 55 and one at 82 cm. This is the problematic layer and not very obvious when doing performing the layer hardness. It is note noted on the picture attached. The orange arrow show the initial propagation at 82cm. The bed surface was cleaner smoother than pictured. We also notice wind transport during our up tracks. Our tracks were filled 50% with new snow between our 2 laps. Duration 20 minutes.

Our exit ski was on a South facing slope and began to be solar effected. Dripping trees and rapid snow change. Felt like Spring. Any more of a rapid warming. I would have been concerned for loose wet problems.