Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

3-3-21
Halfway to Sasse ridge, below tree line.

No clouds , sunny. 35⁰F

Elevation: 2700ft
Total snow depth 86cm
3 visible crust layers

First layer 31cm below surface 3 finger hardness, partially faceted. Appears to be well bonded. 3cm thick.

Second layer
41 cm below surface, 1 finger hardness. Faceted snow but saturated with water. Well bonded

Third layer
66cm below surface, 3 finger hardness. Ground level facets. Seem to have healed over the season.

Shovel shear test.
4 moderate taps, planar fracture at 19cm below the surface
24 moderate taps, planar fracture at 50cm below the surface

CT:
CTM12, Progressive Compression at 10cm below surface
CTH 27 Planar Fracture at 50cm below surface

ECT:
ECTNA
Column failed at 69cm when shovel was placed behind the column and considerable force was use to shear the weak layer.