Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

No observed current avalanche problems.

Concerned about crusts and weak layers in top 20 cm ahead of incoming precipitation.

Observed surface hoar yesterday (1/29) on south, east, and west aspects below inversion line (in Alpental Valley) in even slightly areas. Observed SH destroyed today in meadow at 3,790 feet, as explained below.

Observations made today and yesterday in Alpental Meadows and Source Lake by AIARE 2 course.

*1/30 Pit Observations*
Location: Alpental Valley, flat meadow, away from trees, 3,700 ft.

From top of snow (HS 200 cm):
- Intermittent freezing rain (ZR) and light snow (S-1) from 10 AM to 3 PM deposited 1 mm zipper crust (destroyed surface hoar).
- 1 cm MFcr (also observed yesterday)
- 4 cm of near surface facets just starting to round with 4F- resistance. Very subtle signs of broken surface hoar (likely present yesterday) but likely destroyed.
- 80 cm 1/19/2022 brick of MF. 1F to P.
- 5 cm Solstice crust K.

Temp at -5 cm -3C, -10 cm -4 C, every 10 cm below to ground: -4, -4, -2, -2, -1, -1 at -130 cm. 0C below to ground.