Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

After traveling on predominately N aspects in the area yesterday. We took a look at the snowpack on a SE aspect of Diamond Head today. Large 5mm surface hoar was evident on open slopes. Dug a test profile on a SE facing slope at 5750' with an HS of 90cm. Profile showed a few cm of F over varying layers of 1F and P above 1F rounding facets sandwiched between a few crusts on the ground. Some small density changes in top 40cm for snow was evident when digging and in shovel shear but we got no results in other tests, We got ECTN14 down 30cm on a sun crust and notably a ECTP32 (2 more taps from the shoulder after 30) down 55cm on rounding facets above a crust. PST on this same layer was 50/100 End. The persistent slab problem in the pit wasn't quite as sensitive in tests as on N aspects but still notable.

Clearer than expected in the AM with clouds and light flurries rolling in late morning. High clouds above the valley fog for the remainder of the day with a few sun breaks. Calm winds. Snow surface remained dry and low density with good ski conditions on most aspects with the south surfaces warming ever so slightly.