Observation: Public

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Dug a small pit and observed what I think was the graupel layer from 12/12 fail in an ICT (isolated column test) with 2 CTH (2 compressions driven from the full arm). The break was not sheer (PC QT), so it the issue didn't concern me greatly for where I might have been going (Olallie Lake/Pratt Mountain), but needless to say I wouldn't climb up Granite Mountain [summer trail] with that potential instability deeper in the snowpack and I was careful when crossing the 2 major creek crossings before the lake which go under some potential low probability high consequence avalanche slopes by beforementioned creeks.

The snow depth to base was 65cm where measured (3k'; 47.40626, -121.49799 WGS84). Approximately a mile toward the trailhead it had decreased to 50cm; it was difficult finding undisturbed snow somewhat representative of the area below treeline.

Profile:
* 65-55cm: fluffy storm snow (no resistance).
* 55-40cm: more consolidated storm snow (4 finger+/fist).
* 40-30cm: rain crust/graupel (4 finger+)
* 30cm-ground: compressing base/storm snow (fist)