Public Field Report

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Observations

Dug a pit on an east facing slope at 8000'. Total snow depth = 215 cm. Primary weak layers of interest at 125 cm and 100 cm. Old facets at 100 cm. ECTP3 below a crust about 10 cm below the surface with just a few inches of low density snow on the crust. Other than that, several ECTNs. We really beat on the column and could never get a good break on the lower weak layers.

Despite the stable test results, we still managed our terrain carefully, sticking to terrain mostly less than 30 degrees, but a few pitches in the low 30 degree range with some trees on those slopes. Did not expose ourselves to any steeper terrain above. Some folks had skied some steep (38 degree plus) north-facing terrain, but given the recent avalanche cycle, the deep slab instability, and the uncertainty, we preferred to stick to a bit simpler terrain.

We took a video and will text it to the number provided.