Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Skied some sled access terrain out of the Mad River snopark today - knowing the increasing danger throughout the day we went early to avoid rain and warming temps.

Skied a NW facing ridge line at about 3700-4300 feet. Snow line was probably at about 3500 feet. Weather was overcast with 165cm snow depth. A compression test showed a sudden planar failure at 90cm - assuming the mid January problem layer. Very well consolidated melt forms below that layer. Extended column test showed the failure at the same layer but no propagation.

We opted to ski the low angle ridge (sub 30 degree) and noticed no signs of instability other than roller balls and signs of warming. With warming temps and rising danger we bailed after one lap as the temperature was warming pretty quickly.