Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Avalanche Obs: Numerous loose wet up to sz 1 on steep (greater than 40 degree) terrain on solar (SW-SE) aspects below and at tree line.

Snowpack Obs: As a part of an AIARE 1 course, we dug a test profile at 4428ft on a NE facing, 10 degree slope at treeline above Big Trees. Site characteristics were a flat, open area amongst boulders. Results are as follows:
-CTM13 SC down 31cms on 1/13 AR crust/0.4mm rounding facets
-CTH30 RP down 56cms on old storm interface
-ECTN17 down 31cms on 1/13 AR crust/0.4mm rounding facets

-Numerous hand shears up to Pineapple Basin on a NE facing slope reported moderate, resistant planar results down 28cms on the 1/13 AR crust

We found approx. 3-5cms of F hardness 0.4mm rounding facets above the 1/13 AR crust. As noted above, it failed under moderate stress suddenly, but did not propagate in an ECT.

Weather Obs: Broken cloud cover in AM & PM. Temps rising rapidly in morning and wetted upper 20cms of snowpack. Light easterly winds were observed. No signs of wind effect or wind transport were observed. Snow S-1 in AM, nil in PM.